Opinion ID: 2122819
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Failure to Cooperate with the Director

Text: In October 2008, the City of Shoreview submitted a complaint to the Director regarding Rebeau's conduct in the vehicle forfeiture matter. The Director forwarded to Rebeau a notice of investigation, and Rebeau responded to the city's complaint. Subsequently, the Director sent six letters to Rebeau, including a second notice of investigation and a request for an appearance, to which Rebeau did not respond. Rebeau asserted that he did not receive the Director's letters. The referee found that Rebeau's assertion that he did not receive the letters was not credible. The referee concluded that Rebeau's conduct in failing to cooperate with the Director's investigation of the vehicle forfeiture matter violated Rule 25, RLPR. [9] The referee concluded that Rebeau had engaged in the alleged misconduct and further concluded that Rebeau's misconduct was aggravated by its cumulative nature and the length of time over which it was committed, but was mitigated by Rebeau's 31 years of practice without discipline. The referee recommended that Rebeau be suspended from the practice of law for 90 days followed by automatic reinstatement. Both parties appealed.