Opinion ID: 2514949
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: DA10127 Complaint of J.A.

Text: In March 2005, the Johnson County District Attorney charged J.A. with two counts of theft, one count of possession of marijuana, and one count of possession of a firearm. In April 2005, J.A. retained Respondent to represent him in the criminal case. In March 2006, Respondent and the prosecutor entered into a stipulation regarding the facts. After a bench trial, the trial court found J.A. guilty of all four charges. On May 3, 2006, the court sentenced J.A. On May 5, 2006, Respondent timely filed a notice of appeal and, thereafter, timely docketed the appeal with the Kansas Court of Appeals. Respondent's brief was originally due on August 7, 2006. On November 20, 2006, the Court of Appeals granted Respondent's fourth motion for an extension of time to file a brief. The court ordered Respondent to file the brief on or before December 6, 2006. The court stated that no further extensions would be granted. On December 6, 2006, Respondent filed a fifth motion for an extension of time. On December 19, 2006, the Court of Appeals removed Respondent as counsel and directed the Johnson County District Court to appoint an attorney for J.A. In the order, the court stated: Mr. Thomas has a history of filing pleadings out of time without providing adequate justification for the delays. He is accordingly dismissed from this appeal. The Johnson County District Court appointed another attorney, Brian C. Paden. On January 17, 2007, despite the fact that he had been removed as counsel for J.A., Respondent filed an appellate brief on J.A.'s behalf. The Court of Appeals reinstated Respondent, accepted the brief, and directed that Paden remain as co-counsel.