Opinion ID: 1058794
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Witness subpoena for DuBay

Text: Barrett argues that because DuBay had employed Barrett's former wife, Jill, Du-Bay had information regarding her earning capacity, and he alleged that DuBay would not provide certain employment records. Therefore, Barrett asserts he issued a lawful subpoena to a material witness and did not engage in actions that had no purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person, Rule 4.4, or reflected adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer, Rule 8.4(b). The record shows that Jill worked for Du-Bay for a total of approximately 30 hours and was paid $10 an hour. DuBay had provided Jill's attorney with Jill's employment records. He never received a subpoena or written request for those records from Barrett, although he testified he believed that Barrett sought the records from Jill's attorney. Even though DuBay's information may have been relevant in Barrett's divorce action, Barrett's two letters containing offers to release DuBay from the witness subpoena if DuBay would waive the attorney's lien claim were not designed to secure DuBay's testimony regarding Jill's employment. The clear intent of Barrett's letters was to harass DuBay and compel him to waive the lien. This record provides clear and convincing evidence that Barrett violated both Rules 4.4 and 8.4(b), and the three-judge court did not err in finding such violations. [5]