Opinion ID: 2637565
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: ABA Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions

Text: In making its recommendation for discipline, the hearing panel considered the factors outlined by the American Bar Association in its Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions (1991) (Standards). Pursuant to Standard 3, the factors to be considered are the duty violated, the lawyer's mental state, the potential or actual injury caused by the lawyer's misconduct, and the existence of aggravating or mitigating factors. Duty Violated. Franco violated his duty to the legal system. Mental State. Franco knowingly violated his duty to the legal system. Injury. As a direct result of Franco's misconduct, the legal system suffered actual harm. Aggravating or Mitigating Factors. Aggravating circumstances are any considerations or factors that may justify an increase in the degree of discipline to be imposed. In reaching its recommendation for discipline, the hearing panel found the following aggravating factors present: Prior Disciplinary Offenses. On May 29, 2001, the Missouri Supreme Court reprimanded Franco for having violated Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct 4-3.3(a)(1), 4-4.1(a), 4-8.1(b), 4-8.4(a), and 4-8.4(d). Four of the rule violations appear to be based upon the same facts alleged in this case. Dishonest or Selfish Motive. Franco engaged in dishonest behavior by including a Kansas attorney registration number on the pleadings when he had not been admitted to practice law in Kansas. We agree with the hearing panel that no mitigating circumstances are present here.