Opinion ID: 2328160
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: The trial court's failure to identify mitigating factors on behalf of Mr. Keiner

Text: In prior opinions we have recognized twelve factors identified by the American Bar Association as appropriate for consideration in mitigation if proved by a respondent, by a preponderance of the evidence. E.g., Fox, 417 Md. at 538-39, 11 A.3d at 782 (2010); Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Sweitzer, 395 Md. 586, 598-99, 911 A.2d 440, 447 (2006). Respondent asserts that he proved the existence of all but one of those factors, and he takes exception to Judge McCrone's failure to identify them as factors in mitigation. Specifically, Respondent asserts that Judge McCrone erred in not explicitly identifying the following facts as mitigating factors: 1. [Respondent] has an absence of a prior disciplinary record. This is the first and only disciplinary proceeding instituted against [Respondent]. 2. [Respondent] suffered from personal and emotional problems. [Respondent] is an alcoholic and suffers from depression. Dr. Maguid Mansour, [Respondent's] treating psychiatrist, opined that Respondent has been suffering from a Depressive Disorder all through his life and that his depression was a major contributing factor in his recent aberrant behavior. Dr. Christiane Tellefsen, the psychiatrist for the [Bar Counsel], opined that [Respondent] has suffered from Dysthymia or chronic mild depression and Alcohol Dependence for years. According to Dr. Tellefsen, [Respondent] is definitely an empty glass person. She went on to explain that [Respondent's] Dysthymia does contribute to the dishonesty. 3. [Respondent] made timely good faith efforts to make restitution or to rectify the consequence of his misconduct. Following the discovery of his conduct, [Respondent] provided the Thalenberg Firm with a list of cases including the statute of limitations date for each case which he generated in his own name and as a potential client of his own. He handed over all of the materials he had collected for each [of] these potential clients. [Respondent] also disclosed to the Thalenberg Firm that he had altered on the firm computer the client files for four clients (1) Raven Bank and Derrick Young, (2) Tyanna Baker, (3) Shade Bride, Zhane McDougle, Raheem McDougle, and Kareen McDougle, (4) Da' Shira Coley and Shanece Coley. But for [Respondent's] honest disclosure, the Thalenberg Firm would not have learned about [Respondent's] alteration to the client files for the clients (1) Raven Bank and Derrick Young, (2) Tyanna Baker, (3) Shade Bride, Zhane McDougle, Raheem McDougle, and Kareen McDougle, (4) Da' Shira Coley and Shanece Coley, (5) Ronald Dalton, Jr., (6) Davontae Davis, (7) Lavontre Ford and Michaela Harris, and (8) Shaquille Davis, Tristian Davis, and Imani Frazier. 4. [Respondent] made full and free disclosure to the disciplinary board and exemplified a cooperative attitude toward the proceedings. [Respondent] voluntarily met with the Attorney Grievance Commission's investigator and psychiatrist. He answered all of their questions and was cordial, truthful, and cooperative. 5. [Respondent] is inexperienced in the practice of law. [Respondent] was admitted to the Bar in December 2002, five and one-half years before his admitted offense. In that time period he took only one case to trial and only as second chair. 6. [Respondent] has good character and a good reputation. Six former clients, five former opposing counsel, and two former co-workers wrote letters of support on behalf of [Respondent]. John Kazmierczak, testifying on behalf of the Thalenberg Firm, even acknowledged that [Respondent] was a reasonably competent lawyer. 7. [Respondent] suffered from depression. 8. There was no delay in the disciplinary proceedings. [Respondent] timely responded to discovery that was propounded on him. He made himself available for deposition and did not cause any delay in the disciplinary proceedings. And he answered all questions ever asked of him. 9. [Respondent] has undergone interim rehabilitation. Since the discovery of his actions, [Respondent] has undergone regular mental health treatment. [Respondent] voluntarily admitted himself to Howard County General Hospital for the treatment of his depression and suicidal ideation. [Respondent] regularly meets with James P. Quinn, Director of the Lawyer Assistance Program and attends AA meetings. 10. [Respondent] has had the imposition of other penalties or sanctions. In March 2009, [Respondent] was fired from the Thalenberg Firm. Since that time he has not generated any income as a lawyer. 11. [Respondent] is remorseful for his conduct. [Respondent] testified that he was remorseful for his actions. He broke down and cried on the stand when he testified about his conduct. Judge McCrone did not explicitly identify each of the above items as factors in mitigation of Respondent's violations. Judge McCrone, though, did make express written findings of the existence of each of the above set of facts. Moreover, Bar Counsel, in his Recommendation for Sanction, does not dispute any of Judge McCrone's findings, much less those upon which Respondent relies in this exception. We therefore shall sustain Respondent's exception, as it is phrased, and consider the relevant, undisputed factual findings in determining the appropriate sanction for his misconduct.