Opinion ID: 2637961
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sanction imposed : attorney disbarred

Text: The People filed a Complaint in this disciplinary case on September 23, 1999. [1] Following an extension of time within which to respond, DeRose filed his Answer on Dec. 1, 1999. On February 10, 2000, the People filed a motion for summary judgment seeking judgment on all claims set forth in the complaint. Although DeRose did not file a brief in opposition to the motion for summary judgment, he did file a trial brief in anticipation of the issues to be presented at trial and that brief was considered in opposition to the motion for summary judgment. On February 25, 2000, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge (PDJ) issued an order granting summary judgment as to all claims set forth in the Complaint, C.R.C.P. 251.5(b)( any act or omission which violates the criminal laws of this state or any other state or of the United States shall constitute grounds for discipline) and Colo. RPC 8.4(b)(it is professional misconduct for a lawyer to commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects). Thereafter, the matter was set for trial on the issues of mitigation, aggravation and the appropriate sanction. Due to the withdrawal of DeRose's counsel and various motions filed by DeRose [2] , the scheduled trial was continued on three separate occasions. A trial was held on November 20, 2000, before the Presiding Disciplinary Judge (PDJ) and two Hearing Board members, Edwin S. Kahn and Barbara Weil Gall, both members of the bar. James S. Sudler, Assistant Regulation Counsel, represented the People of the State of Colorado (the People) and James M. DeRose (DeRose) appeared pro se. The People's exhibit 1 and DeRose's exhibits A through G were offered and admitted into evidence. The People offered no witnesses. DeRose testified on his own behalf. The PDJ and Hearing Board considered the undisputed facts established by the entry of summary judgment, DeRose's testimony and credibility, the exhibits admitted into evidence, the arguments made by counsel, and made the following findings of fact which were established by clear and convincing evidence.