Opinion ID: 1536896
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Hearing Committee's Proceedings

Text: 38. Respondent's Answer was received on November 21, 2005. 39. A pre-hearing conference was held on January 20, 2006. 40. A hearing on the merits was held on February 28, 2006. The Committee heard evidence on the violations charged by Bar Counsel and, after retiring into executive session, found prima facie evidence of violations of the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct. Tr. 422. Bar Exhibits A-D, 1-12, and 20 were admitted into evidence, Tr. 148, and Bar Exhibit 21 was marked for identification only, Tr. 139-150. 41. Upon resumption of the hearing, Bar Counsel submitted seven exhibits in aggravation, some over the objection of Respondent. BX 13-19. These exhibits were admitted into evidence, to be given the weight they deserve. Tr. 436. Respondent offered no exhibits in mitigation. Bar Exhibit 21 was not offered into evidence. Bar Exhibit 22 was offered and admitted into evidence. Tr. 402-406. 42. Respondent neglected to move his four exhibits into evidence at the hearing and sought leave by motion after the hearing to do so. The motion was not opposed by Bar Counsel, and the exhibits were admitted into evidence. The parties both submitted post-hearing briefs. 43. The Hearing Committee issued its unanimous Report and Recommendation on January 24, 2007 finding that all of the charges were proven by clear and convincing evidence and recommending disbarment.