Opinion ID: 1462263
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Mr. Wilson's Criminal Case.

Text: Respondent's client, Mitchell Wilson, and another man were arrested on June 8, 1980, and charged with assault with intent to commit robbery. Respondent was originally assigned to represent Wilson, but, when Wilson was found to be ineligible for legal assistance under the Criminal Justice Act, respondent was retained for the flat fee of $1,000-$200 to be paid immediately, and $800 to be paid at the rate of $100 per month if Wilson was indicted. Wilson told respondent that he had been identified as having assaulted the complaining witness in an alley at about 3:45 a.m. He admitted being in the area, but denied knowing anything about the incident. At a preliminary hearing held on June 19, 1980, respondent learned that the complaining witness had told the arresting officer that he had torn the shirt of his assailant, and that, when arrested, Wilson was found to have a torn shirt stuffed in his pocket (Tr. 110). Wilson told respondent that his shirt had been torn earlier when he had played basketball with a friend, David Williams. Wilson gave respondent Williams' address, but not his telephone number. Because of that fact, respondent concluded that Wilson had no real interest in calling Williams, and that Williams was not a genuine witness. Respondent therefore made no attempt to contact Williams (Tr. 111). [6] The government offered to accept, before indictment, a plea of guilty to attempted robbery with the government not opposing Federal Youth Act Probation. Mitchell refused to plead guilty, asserting his innocence (Tr. 73). On July 8, respondent sent a letter to Judge Ugast stating that, if his client could be assured of a sentence under the Youth Act, he would recommend that the client plead guilty. That letter was not answered. Respondent at that time had made no investigation of the case beyond talking with his client and hearing the testimony of the officers at the preliminary hearing (Tr. 126). Wilson and his co-defendant were indicted and were arraigned on October 14, 1980. On November 13, respondent testified, he had a half-hour telephone conversation with the Assistant United States Attorney in charge of the case (Tr. 109). On November 17, after a status hearing, respondent had a conference with his client, the co-defendant, and the co-defendant's attorney. Respondent testified that, by that time, he had concluded that his client had been involved in the incident. He so informed his client. His advice was that the defendants not take the stand, but that he would try to knock down the governments' case (Tr. 113-114). Respondent testified that he intended to interview the complaining witness, but had not done so by January 16, 1981, although the trial date was set for January 19, 1981 (Tr. 115). On January 16, 1981, respondent learned that Wilson had hired another attorney. He called Wilson and berated him, using offensive language (Tr. 115-116). On January 19, 1981, the date originally set for trial, the case was postponed. Respondent sought out Wilson's mother and berated her for Wilson's change of attorneys. The mother felt so harassed by respondent's conduct that she complained to Bar Counsel, instituting the investigation which eventually led to the instant charges (Tr. 16-18). Wilson and his co-defendant were acquitted at the trial which was held in March, 1981.