Opinion ID: 1698263
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Count III: Representation of Charles Evans

Text: Respondent represented Charles Evans in a suit in federal court. After losing the case in the district court, respondent filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, but he did not pay the necessary docket fee. Consequently, the Eighth Circuit sent to respondent an order to show cause why the appeal should not be dismissed for failure to prosecute. Respondent did not reply, and the appeal was dismissed on July 23, 2003. Even after the appeal had been dismissed, respondent told Evans that the appeal had been perfected and that he had filed a brief. Evans filed a grievance with relator on August 18, 2004, alleging that respondent had neglected his case, lied to him about the status of the case, and failed to deliver to him his files and records. Relator mailed a copy of Evans' grievance letter to respondent and instructed respondent to provide a written response. Respondent made no reply. As to count III, relator charges that respondent violated his oath of office as an attorney; disciplinary rules 9(E) and 16; DR 1-102(A)(1), (5), and (6); DR 1-102(A)(4) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation); DR 6-101(A)(3); and DR 9-102(B)(4).