Opinion ID: 2603654
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Propriety of Discipline

Text: (12) Petitioner contends that the recommended discipline of disbarment is excessive, unduly harsh, and unnecessary. He argues that disbarment exceeds the level of discipline that this court has imposed in comparable cases, and that monitored probation will adequately protect the public interest. The extent of discipline is determined by a balanced consideration of the relevant factors. ( McCray v. State Bar (1985) 38 Cal.3d 257, 273 [211 Cal. Rptr. 691, 696 P.2d 83].) The imposition of discipline less than disbarment in other cases involving different facts (see, e.g., Lawhorn v. State Bar, supra, 43 Cal.3d 1357, 1368 [compelling mitigating factors in a case falling between wilful misappropriation and simple commingling]; Chasteen v. State Bar (1985) 40 Cal.3d 586, 592-593 [220 Cal. Rptr. 842, 709 P.2d 861] [recommended discipline increased]) does not lead to the conclusion that disbarment in this case is unwarranted. (See, e.g., Chang v. State Bar, supra, 49 Cal.3d at pp. 128-129 [disbarment based on single misappropriation]; In re Demergian (1989) 48 Cal.3d 284, 289, 298 [256 Cal. Rptr. 392, 768 P.2d 1069] [disbarment based on theft of client funds]; In re Abbott (1977) 19 Cal.3d 249, 251, 254 [137 Cal. Rptr. 195, 561 P.2d 285] [same].) Petitioner has not shown that the review department's recommendation of disbarment is erroneous or unlawful. Petitioner's cooperation with the State Bar and evidence of his good character do not constitute compelling mitigation in view of the various circumstances in aggravation. Petitioner misappropriated Mrs. Cabrera's $5,546. He has a prior disciplinary record. He did not make restitution, despite the efforts of Mrs. Cabrera's Tennessee attorneys to obtain her funds, until after the State Bar's evidentiary hearing. He took advantage of the fact that Mrs. Cabrera resided in another state and placed his interests over those of his client. Because disbarment is warranted, it is not necessary to address the possibility of prophylactic measures, such as the imposition of a probation monitor, that may be appropriate when lesser forms of discipline are warranted.