Opinion ID: 1702504
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Count V: Trust Account Shortages

Text: On March 22, 1984, the respondent had a balance of $1,693.45 in her trust account. At the same time, the respondent had client liabilities totaling $2,389.09, reflecting a shortage of $695.64. A month later on April 22, 1984, the respondent had a balance of $1,225.37 in her trust account, and liabilities totaling $2,181.31, thus reflecting a $995.94 shortage. By December 24, 1984, the respondent's trust account showed a shortage of $1,749.56. The referee also found that on April 11, 1986, the respondent's trust account showed a shortage of $1,057.54. The referee noted that while no client suffered any actual loss and the respondent repaid all shortages, the respondent admitted to intentionally using the trust account funds to keep her office open. The referee also indicated that the respondent expressed that she knew that the practice of using her trust funds was wrong. The referee found the respondent guilty of violating Rule Regulating The Florida Bar 5-1.1 (a lawyer shall hold a client's funds in trust for specific purposes).