Opinion ID: 2625309
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Dealing with Unrepresented Person Colo. RPC 4.3)

Text: 25. Paragraphs 2 through 24 are incorporated herein as if fully set forth. 26. Colo. RPC 4.3 provides in part that in dealing on behalf of a client with a person who is not represented by counsel ... the lawyer shall not give advice to the unrepresented person other than to secure counsel. 27. The respondent was representing Ms. Gabriella when he confronted Ms. Narum. The respondent knew that Ms. Narum was a witness subpoenaed by the prosecution to appear in Ms. Gabriella's case. 28. Ms. Narum was not represented by counsel. The respondent knew she was an unrepresented person. 29. After the respondent was introduced to Ms. Narum, he stated to her, What the hell, have you been drinking. Ms. Narum was frightened and wanted to know whether they were going to arrest her for a DUI. The respondent advised Ms. Narum to either take the Fifth or to say that she arrived by bus. The respondent did not tell Ms. Narum to secure counsel. 30. Through his communications with Ms. Narum on December 12, 2001, the respondent gave advice to an unrepresented person, namely Ms. Narum. 31. The foregoing conduct of the respondent establishes grounds for discipline as provided in C.R.C.P. 251.5, and also violates Colo. RPC 4.3. WHEREFORE, the complainant prays at the conclusion hereof.