Opinion ID: 454752
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The disqualification order

Text: 8 Branton's first argument concerns the propriety of the district court's disqualification order. Branton does not, however, purport to appeal his disqualification. It is therefore questionable to what extent the merits of the disqualification order are properly before this court. Branton argues that his disqualification is reviewable insofar as it formed the basis for the award of sanctions. Assuming arguendo the validity of this contention, we nevertheless find nothing in the disqualification order that necessitates reversal of the award of sanctions. 9 Branton contends that the district court erred in construing his Motion to Prohibit Calling of Leo Branton, Jr. as Witness or Motion for Continuance in the Alternative as a motion for disqualification. Branton asserts that this motion sought either an order prohibiting the government from calling him as a witness, or, alternatively, granting him a brief continuance of the trial so that he could obtain a waiver of disqualification from his client pursuant to California Rule of Professional Conduct 2-111(A)(4). 2 He denies that he ever moved for disqualification. The record indicates otherwise. 10 Branton's original moving papers described his motion as one to prohibit the calling of [Branton] as a witness ... or in the alternative ... for a continuance in order that [Branton] might disqualify himself from trying said case and having an opportunity to secure new counsel. Declaration of Leo Branton, Jr. of April 2, 1984 at 3. (emphasis added). At the hearing on this motion, the district judge repeatedly characterized Branton's application as one for disqualification without objection from Branton or his co-counsel. 3 Branton did not dispute the district court's interpretation of his motion until after the court had disqualified him and postponed the trial. Under these circumstances, Branton cannot now be heard to complain that the court misconstrued his motion.