Opinion ID: 1906029
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The charge under Count I.

Text: Assault and battery is a simple misdemeanor under section 694.1, The Code, 1977. A criminal conviction, however, is not a condition precedent to a disciplinary proceeding when the facts themselves warrant discipline. Iowa State Bar Assn. Comm. v. Kraschel, 260 Iowa at 198, 148 N.W.2d at 628; State v. Metcalfe, 204 Iowa 123, 127, 214 N.W. 874, 875 (1927). Cf. Comm. on Professional Ethics and Conduct v. Hanson, 244 N.W.2d 822, 824 (Iowa 1976). Respondent's conduct causes us to take appropriate action because it involves one attorney assaulting another attorney, or judicial officer, in a courthouse over a disagreement arising from a professional relationship. This conduct violates Ethical Consideration 1-5, Canon 1, Iowa Code of Professional Responsibility for Lawyers which states: EC 1-5 A lawyer should maintain high standards of professional conduct and should encourage fellow lawyers to do likewise. He should be temperate and dignified, and he should refrain from all illegal and morally reprehensible conduct. Because of his position in society, even minor violations of law by a lawyer may tend to lessen public confidence in the legal profession. Obedience to law exemplifies respect for law. To lawyers especially, respect for the law should be more than a platitude. Also violated by respondent's conduct, are EC 9-2 Canon 9, and section 610.14(1) and 610.24(3), The Code, 1977. These sections provide as relevant: EC 9-2. Public confidence in law and lawyers may be eroded by irresponsible or improper conduct of a lawyer . . . Section 610.14. Duties of Attorneys and Counselors. It is the duty of an attorney and counselor: 1. To maintain the respect due to the courts of justice and judicial officers . . Section 610.24. Grounds of revocation. The following are sufficient causes for revocation or suspension: . . . 3. A willful violation of any of the duties of an attorney or counselor as hereinbefore prescribed. The charges under Count I are sustained by a convincing preponderance of the evidence.