Opinion ID: 2573333
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Was there insufficient evidence to support the aggravating factors found by the panel?

Text: Next, Respondent contends there was insufficient evidence for the hearing panel to consider the following aggravating factors: dishonest or selfish motive; vulnerability of the victims; and indifference to making restitution. For the reasons discussed here, we find there was ample evidence presented to support the panel's determinations regarding these aggravating factors and that Respondent's arguments lack merit. The hearing panel found Respondent's conduct before Judge Powell was motivated by dishonesty. Respondent attempts to split hairs by conceding that his behavior was dishonest, but claiming his motive was not. In his brief, Respondent argues he appeared in court even though he was suspended from the practice of law to prevent the opposing party from abus[ing] the Court system on an out-of-state party. But Respondent testified at his disciplinary hearing that another reason for appearing was because he was struggling financially. This alone was sufficient to justify the conclusion that his motive was selfish and his intent was to misrepresent to the court that he was licensed and able to appear in court. This fully supports the panel's finding that Respondent's misconduct was motivated by dishonesty. The hearing panel also found D.V. and F.S., the clients referred to Respondent by KLS, were vulnerable because [KLS] is a statewide non-profit organization, dedicated to helping low income Kansans. Respondent contends it was inappropriate for the panel to make a blanket finding that all clients qualifying for KLS's reduced fee program are vulnerable. The Disciplinary Administrator argues individuals must have low income before qualifying for the program, and they are vulnerable because they do not have the ability to readily hire new counsel. This court previously has recognized a client's financial condition can make the client particularly vulnerable to an attorney's misconduct. In re Potter, 279 Kan. 937, 945, 112 P.3d 216 (2005) (clients were vulnerable because they were filing for bankruptcy). Both D.V. and F.S. sought legal assistance from KLS, and they both qualified for the reduced fee program offered by this nonprofit agency. Both clients paid $308 for Respondent's representation. Under the circumstances, the hearing panel was justified to find these clients were vulnerable. The panel did not err in finding the victims' vulnerability was an aggravating circumstance. The panel also found Respondent's indifference to making restitution to D.V. and F.S. for the unearned legal fees was an aggravating factor. The panel based its finding of indifference on Respondent's failure to make restitution by the time of the hearing. As mentioned above, by the time Respondent appeared before this court to argue against the panel's findings, Respondent said he still had not repaid his victims. Respondent provided no evidence to the hearing panel demonstrating he was incapable of reimbursing his clients. Respondent testified he was working as a pro tem judge during the time leading up to the discipline hearing, and we add that he represented to this court at oral argument that he was still working as a pro tem small claims court judge in Sedgwick County. The hearing before the panel occurred in May 2008, and he received the payments from D.V. and F.S. in October and November 2006, respectively. As the Disciplinary Administrator argues, it is difficult to believe Respondent could not reimburse these clients for any of the money he owes them. We would add that it also is difficult to believe Respondent would appear before this court to argue against the panel's finding of indifference in making restitution to his victims, when he still had not made that restitution by the time of oral argument. We conclude that the panel's finding of indifference as an aggravating circumstance was supported by ample evidence.