Opinion ID: 1259155
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Imposition of Costs: the Purpose of Discipline

Text: In the alternative, Respondent argues that assessment of expenses outside those recoverable in a civil action is a form of punishment, contrary to the stated purpose of lawyer discipline. We agree with Respondent that the purpose of lawyer discipline is not to punish the lawyer, but to protect the public and deter similar conduct by other lawyers. E.g., Rivkind, 164 Ariz. at 157, 791 P.2d at 1040. We disagree, however, with Respondent's characterization of the imposition of costs and fees as a form of punishment. As discussed above, we view this sanction as a means of protecting the public, deterring other lawyers from engaging in unprofessional conduct, and rehabilitating the disciplined attorney. We recognize that the imposition of costs and expenses may appear punitive, but as the Washington Supreme Court noted when faced with a similar challenge, even though punishment is not the goal of attorney discipline, it is the inevitable sequela of the sanction. In re Vetter, 104 Wash.2d 779, 711 P.2d 284, 292 (1985).