Opinion ID: 1702504
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Count II: Misrepresentation to the Grievance Committee

Text: Melvin Judge (Judge) retained the respondent to represent him in a criminal case. On August 23, 1985, the respondent received a quitclaim deed on real estate property as security for her fee in representing Judge. On August 29, 1985, the respondent recorded the quitclaim deed and in January 1988, applied to United Mortgage Company for a mortgage loan in the amount of $25,000 on the property. On March 23, 1988, United Mortgage Company approved the respondent's application and provided her funding for the mortgage. On April 20, 1988, the respondent appeared before the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee J in reference to the quitclaim deed and the property. Respondent in unsworn testimony stated at the proceeding, I have no money from that property and no mortgage on it, that I'm aware of. At the time of the respondent's comment, she had, in fact, received money from the property and had a mortgage issued, funded, and recorded regarding the property. The referee found the respondent guilty of violating Rules Regulating the Florida Bar 4-8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation), 4-8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice), and 3-4.3 (commission of any act unlawful or contrary to honesty and justice). [2]