Opinion ID: 1218370
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: violation of the code of professional responsibility

Text: Respondent was charged with four violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility. Rule 29(a), 17A A.R.S. Sup.Ct. Rules. Because respondent has not formally addressed the charges against him, nor provided any evidence on his behalf, the complaint properly was deemed admitted. Rule 53(c)(1), 17A A.R.S. Sup.Ct. Rules. We do not believe respondent's letters can be considered responsive pleadings because respondent did not explain his conduct in these letters, but instead claimed the fifth amendment allowed him not to answer the complaint. Both the Committee and Commission found clear and convincing evidence of intentional conduct involving fraud, misrepresentation, and/or deceit, seriously and adversely reflecting on respondent's fitness to practice law. We agree with these findings and believe the evidence shows that respondent was guilty of a serious felony. Respondent allowed letters containing false information to influence public investors and investment counsellors. He misrepresented material facts concerning the corporate principals and promoters. He failed to inform a Nevada attorney, who represented a potential buyer of his client's business, of a consent judgment entered against respondent, and of a $6.6 million judgment entered against the principals. Based on respondent's felony convictions, his guilty pleas, and the complaint being deemed admitted, we believe violations of the Disciplinary Rules have been established by clear and convincing evidence.