Opinion ID: 2569696
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: The Ketteler Complaint

Text: Reid Ketteler was injured in an automobile accident on July 16, 1998. At the scene of the accident Reid was asked for proof of insurance by a policeman. He mistakenly produced the wrong insurance information. When the incorrect information was provided to the Department of Revenue, the insurance could not be verified, and Reid's driver's license was suspended. On September 23, 1998, Reid was driving a friend's car when he was cited for expired tags and a suspended license. Reid was not aware that his license had been suspended. Reid's father, Steven W. Ketteler, advised the Department of Revenue of the situation, and Reid's license was reinstated. Sachse was retained by Ketteler to handle the suspended license and expired tag charge in municipal court. Reid's initial court date was October 27, 1998. The hearing date was continued a number of times. In December 1998, Sachse advised Ketteler that he had worked out a deal with the prosecutor to plead Reid guilty to illegal parking. Sachse requested that Ketteler send him two checks, each in the amount of $150. One check was made payable to Sachse and the other was made payable to the municipal court. Sachse cashed the check made payable to him. During the early part of 1999, Ketteler made many telephone calls to Sachse to inquire about the status of his son's case. Only one of those telephone calls were returned and, at that time, Sachse assured Ketteler that all was under control. During the same time period, Reid continued to receive letters from the municipal court indicating that he had missed court appearances and was in contempt of court, and that a bench warrant would be issued for his arrest. The case was reset for March 23, 1999. Sachse failed to appear at the hearing and he failed to notify Ketteler or Reid that a hearing was set for that date. A bench warrant was issued for Reid's arrest. Ketteler asked for and received a continuance of the hearing date until April 13, 1999. Ketteler then contacted Sachse again, and Sachse assured Ketteler that he would be in court on April 13, 1999. Prior to the hearing, Ketteler informed the prosecutor about his difficulties with Sachse. On April 13, 1999, the prosecutor called Ketteler after court and advised him that Sachse had not appeared and recommended that Ketteler retain new counsel for his son. On April 15, 1999, Ketteler wrote Sachse advising him that he had retained another attorney to represent Reid and requested the return of the $300 check. On May 5, Ketteler again wrote Sachse demanding return of the $300. The municipal court matter was promptly resolved by Ketteler's new attorney. On May 18, 1999, Ketteler wrote a letter of complaint to the Disciplinary Administrator. The unearned retainer fee had not been returned at that time. Subsequently, Sachse refunded $150 to Ketteler. The check which had been made out to the municipal court was never cashed. The check was not returned to Ketteler, and Ketteler was required to pay the expense to stop payment on that check. At the hearing before the panel, Sachse admitted to the above facts and stipulated that the facts constitute violations of KRPC 1.3, 1.4, and 1.15.