Opinion ID: 2298289
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: MLRPC 3.4(c)

Text: MLRPC 3.4(c) states that a lawyer shall not knowingly disobey an obligation under the rules of a tribunal. Knowingly is defined by MLRPC 1.0(g) as actual knowledge. Judge Sfekas concluded that Mr. Butler's failure to appear for the two trial dates did not violate that rule. We agree. With respect to the November 2 trial date, it was undisputed that Mr. Butler contacted the District Court concerning his scheduling dilemma and that he arrived at the courthouse by 10:45 a.m. in the belief that the court would still be in session. With respect to the February 5 trial date, Judge Sfekas apparently found credible Mr. Butler's representation that he mistakenly thought he had secured substitute counsel. Neither event rises to knowing disobedience of court rules. [10]