In re Holste , 302 Kan. 880 ( 2015 )

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF KANSAS
No. 113,970
In the Matter of JARED WARREN HOLSTE,
Respondent.
ORIGINAL PROCEEDING IN DISCIPLINE
Original proceeding in discipline. Opinion filed October 9, 2015. Two-year suspension;
respondent may apply for reinstatement after 6 months, subject to terms and conditions specified.
Deborah L. Hughes, Deputy Disciplinary Administrator, argued the cause, and Stanton A. Hazlett,
Disciplinary Administrator, was with her on the formal complaint for the petitioner.
John J. Ambrosio, of Ambrosio & Ambrosio, Chtd., of Topeka, argued the cause, and Jared
Warren Holste, respondent, argued the cause pro se.
Per Curiam: This is an attorney discipline proceeding against Jared Warren
Holste, of Atwood, an attorney admitted to the practice of law in Kansas in 2005.
On January 14, 2015, the Disciplinary Administrator's office filed a formal
complaint against respondent alleging violations of the Kansas Rules of Professional
Conduct (KRPC). Respondent filed an answer on February 4, 2015. The parties entered
into written stipulations on March 11, 2015.
A panel of the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys held a hearing on April 2,
2015, at which the respondent appeared personally and through counsel. The hearing
panel determined respondent violated KRPC 1.7(a) (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 531)
(conflict of interest); 1.11(c)(1) (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 558) (successive government
1
and private employment); 3.1 (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 602) (meritorious claims and
contentions); 3.3(d) (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 612) (candor toward tribunal); 4.4(a) (2014
Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 641) (respect for rights of third persons); 8.4(d) (2014 Kan. Ct. R.
Annot. 680) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice); and 8.4(e)
(statement or implication of an ability to influence improperly a government agency or
official).
Upon conclusion of the hearing, the panel made the following findings of fact and
conclusions of law and disciplinary recommendation. Respondent took no exceptions to
the hearing panel's report. We quote the report's pertinent parts below.
"Findings of Fact
....
"8. The respondent is the Rawlins County Attorney and, in addition, has a
part-time private practice in Atwood, Kansas.
"9. On May 24, 2013, the respondent filed a petition in Rawlins County
District Court on behalf of his client, Beaver Valley Supply Co., Inc., alleging a breach of
contract against the defendants, Sunflower Wind, LLC and D.R. The petition named D.R.
as a defendant even though D.R. was not a party to the contract. D.R. was the managing
partner of Sunflower Wind, LLC. The petition and summons were served on June 5,
2013.
"10. Two days before the answer was due, June 24, 2013, D.R. called the
respondent and asked for an extension of time to file an answer to the petition. According
to D.R., the respondent told him that he did not have a problem with a short extension of
time to answer, but that he wanted to confer with his client and that he would call D.R.
back to confirm. According to the respondent, he told D.R. that he would have to consult
with his client and if his client agreed to an extension, he would call D.R. and let him
2
know. The respondent's client did not agree to an extension. The respondent did not call
D.R. back.
"11. On June 25, 2013, D.R. called the respondent's office about the requested
extension of time to answer. D.R. was told the respondent was not available. D.R. left a
message asking that the respondent return his call. The respondent did not return D.R.'s
call.
"12. On June 26, 2013, the respondent traveled from his office in Atwood to
Judge Glenn D. Schiffner's chambers in Colby. The respondent brought with him a
proposed Journal Entry of Judgment granting his client a default judgment against
Sunflower Wind, LLC and D.R. in the amount of $43,990.17, plus interest. The proposed
journal entry stated that the defendants had not appeared or contacted the court and were
in default. The respondent presented the Journal Entry of Judgment to Judge Schiffner
and told the Judge that the answer time had passed and that the defendants were in total
default. The respondent did not tell Judge Schiffner that D.R. had contacted him asking
for an extension of time to answer. Judge Schiffner signed the Journal Entry of Judgment
granting default judgment. The Journal Entry was filed in the Rawlins County District
Court Clerk's Office that same day, June 26, 2013.
"13. On June 27, 2013, D.R. called the respondent's office to confirm the
extension. D.R. was told the respondent was not available. D.R. left a message asking the
respondent to return his call. The respondent did not return D.R.'s call.
"14. On July 1, 2013, D.R. called the respondent's office and was able to
speak to the respondent. The respondent told D.R. he had obtained a default judgment on
June 26, 2013. D.R. prepared an answer and sent it to the Rawlins County District Court.
The answer was file-stamped on July 2, 2013.
"15. The defendants retained attorney Karan M. Thadani, who filed a motion
to set aside the default judgment. After an evidentiary hearing, the district court denied
the motion.
3
"16. The defendants filed a motion for reconsideration and a second motion to
set aside the default judgment. The second motion was based upon K.S.A. 60-260(b)(3),
which provides for relief from a judgment obtained by fraud, misrepresentation or
misconduct by an opposing party. The motion was scheduled to be heard on January 7,
2014.
"17. On January 3, 2014, the respondent sent an email to Thadani that stated:
'Karan:
'Here are my thoughts on this case. I have a default judgment,
which you have appealed, more than once. You lost the first time, and
are trying again. Until I received the court documents from Reno County,
I did not know that [D.R.] has made a habit of filing late, without an
attorney, and then appealing the decision. I also did not know what a true
con artist he is. He has well over a million dollars' worth of judgments
against him, and more pending. It is also interesting to note that in each
of his cases, very rarely does his initial attorney finish the case—usually
there is a withdrawal of appearance somewhere in the proceedings. But,
that is neither here nor there.
'I recently realized that I used an incorrect amount in the petition.
I used the amount that [D.R.] owes Beaver Valley for augers that he
took, rather than the money for defaulting on the wind tower. However, I
don't think that is an issue, as the $30k+ judgment is just a small portion
of what would be owed under the contract. I'm actually asking for less,
not more.
'Anyway, if you guys want to keep pushing the issue of the
default judgment, I will just dismiss the case and file two felony theft
charges against [D.R.] instead. He "bought" those augers years ago (still
within the statute of limitations), and has not paid for two of them. I
believe each and every element of the felony theft charges will stand for
4
a jury. These are my thoughts. Let me know which avenue to pursue on
Tuesday.
'Jared'
"18. At the hearing on January 7, 2014, Thadani presented the electronic mail
message to the district court. Thadani contended that the respondent was attempting to
use his capacity as the Rawlins County Attorney to threaten criminal action as a means to
force settlement of the civil lawsuit.
"19. The district court granted the defendants' motion to set aside the default
judgment.
"Conclusions of Law
"20. Based upon the parties' stipulation and the above findings of fact, the
hearing panel concludes as a matter of law that the respondent violated KRPC 1.7, KRPC
1.11(c)(1), KRPC 3.1, KRPC 3.3(d), KRPC 4.4(a), KRPC 8.4(d), and KRPC 8.4(e), as
detailed below.
"KRPC 1.7
"21. The respondent stipulated that he violated KRPC 1.7. KRPC 1.7(a)
provides:
'(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a lawyer shall not represent
a client if the representation involves a concurrent conflict of interest. A
concurrent conflict of interest exists if:
(1) the representation of one client will be directly
adverse to another client; or
5
(2) there is a substantial risk that the representation
of one or more clients will be materially limited
by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client,
a former client or a third person or by a personal
interest of the lawyer.'
"22. Relevant to this proceeding, the respondent had two clients: Beaver
Valley Supply Co. and the people of the [sic] Rawlins County. When the respondent used
his capacity as the Rawlins County Attorney to threaten criminal action to benefit Beaver
Valley Supply Co.'s position in civil law suit, the respondent violated KRPC 1.7. Based
upon the respondent's stipulation and the facts presented, the hearing panel concludes that
the respondent violated KRPC 1.7(a).
"KRPC 1.11(c)(1)
"23. The respondent also stipulated that he violated KRPC 1.11(c)(1). KRPC
1.11(c)(1) [provides]:
'(c) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer serving
as a public officer or employee shall not:
(1) participate in a matter in which the lawyer
participated personally and substantially while in
private practice or nongovernmental
employment, unless under applicable law no one
is, or by lawful delegation may be, authorized to
act in the lawyer's stead in the matter[].'
"24. While representing Beaver Valley Supply Co., the respondent threatened
to dismiss the civil suit and pursue felony criminal charges against the defendants, in
violation of KRPC 1.11(c)(1). Accordingly, based upon the respondent's stipulation and
the findings of fact, the hearing panel concludes that the respondent violated KRPC
1.11(c)(1).
6
"KRPC 3.1
"25. The respondent stipulated that he violated KRPC 3.1. KRPC 3.1
provides:
'A lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or
controvert an issue therein, unless there is a basis for doing so that is not
frivolous, which includes a good faith argument for an extension,
modification or reversal of existing law. A lawyer for the defendant in a
criminal proceeding, or the respondent in a proceeding that could result
in incarceration, may nevertheless so defend the proceeding as to require
that every element of the case be established.'
"26. The respondent filed suit against Sunflower Wind, LLC and D.R. The
petition named D.R. as a defendant even though D.R. was not a party to the contract. The
respondent had no basis in fact to name D.R. personally as a party to the action. As such,
based upon the respondent's stipulation and the facts detailed above, the hearing panel
concludes that the respondent violated KRPC 3.1.
"KRPC 3.3(d)
"27. The respondent stipulated that he violated KRPC 3.3(d). KRPC 3.3(d)
provides:
'In an ex parte proceeding, a lawyer shall inform the tribunal of
all material facts known to the lawyer which will enable the tribunal to
make an informed decision, whether or not the facts are adverse.'
"28. The respondent failed to inform the court that D.R. was seeking to obtain
an extension of time within which to file an answer to the petition. By failing to provide
the court with that information and based upon the respondent's stipulation, the hearing
panel concludes that the respondent violated KRPC 3.3(d).
7
"KRPC 4.4(a)
"29. The respondent also stipulated that he violated KRPC 4.4(a). KRPC
4.4(a) provides:
'In representing a client, a lawyer shall not use means that have
no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third
person, or use methods of obtaining evidence that violate the legal rights
of such a person.'
"30. Naming D.R. as a defendant in the case had no substantial purpose other
than to embarrass or burden D.R. Therefore, based upon the respondent's stipulation and
the facts presented, the hearing panel concludes that the respondent violated KRPC
4.4(a).
"KRPC 8.4(d)
"31. The respondent stipulated that he violated KRPC 8.4(d). 'It is
professional misconduct for a lawyer to . . . engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the
administration of justice.' KRPC 8.4(d).
"32. In this case, the respondent engaged in conduct which was prejudicial to
the administration of justice when he failed to inform the court that D.R. had contacted
him in an attempt to obtain an extension of time. Additionally, the respondent engaged in
conduct which was prejudicial to the administration of justice when he threatened to file
felony criminal charges against D.R. if he did not withdraw the motion to set aside the
default judgment. As a result, the hearing panel concludes that the respondent violated
KRPC 8.4(d) based upon the respondent's stipulation and the findings of fact.
8
"KRPC 8.4(e)
"33. Finally, the respondent also stipulated that he violated KRPC 8.4(e). 'It
is professional misconduct for a lawyer to . . . state or imply an ability to influence
improperly a government agency or official.' KRPC 8.4(e).
"34. The respondent engaged in professional misconduct when he used his
capacity as the Rawlins County Attorney to threaten criminal action to benefit his client's
position in a civil law suit. Accordingly, based upon the respondent's stipulation and the
findings of fact, the hearing panel concludes that the respondent violated KRPC 8.4(e).
"American Bar Association
Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions
"35. In making this recommendation for discipline, the hearing panel
considered the factors outlined by the American Bar Association in its Standards for
Imposing Lawyer Sanctions (hereinafter '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.
"36. Duty Violated. The respondent violated his duty to his client to avoid
conflicts of interest. The respondent also violated his duty to the legal system and to the
public to maintain his personal integrity.
"37. Mental State. The respondent knowingly violated his duties.
"38. Injury. As a result of the respondent's misconduct, the respondent caused
potential injury to his client, the legal system, and the legal profession.
9
"Aggravating and Mitigating Factors
"39. 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, in this case, found the following
aggravating factors present:
"40. Multiple Offenses. The respondent stipulated that he committed multiple
rule violations. The respondent admitted that he violated KRPC 1.7, KRPC 1.11(c)(1),
KRPC 3.1, KRPC 3.3(d), KRPC 4.4(a), KRPC 8.4(d), and KRPC 8.4(e). Accordingly,
the hearing panel concludes that the respondent committed multiple offenses.
"41. Mitigating circumstances are any considerations or factors that may
justify a reduction in the degree of discipline to be imposed. In reaching its
recommendation for discipline, the hearing panel, in this case, found the following
mitigating factors present:
"42. Absence of Prior Disciplinary Record. The respondent has not
previously been disciplined. In fact, no complaints of misconduct have been lodged
against the respondent prior to the instant complaint.
"43. Absence of a Dishonest or Selfish Motive. The respondent's conduct was
not motivated by dishonesty or misconduct. Rather, the respondent's misconduct was
motivated by zealous advocacy.
"44. The Present and Past Attitude of the Attorney as Shown by His
Cooperating During the Hearing and His Full and Free Acknowledgment of the
Transgressions. The respondent fully cooperated with the disciplinary process at every
stage and he fully and freely acknowledged the misconduct. The respondent filed an
answer admitting each allegation, including the rule violations. Further, the respondent
entered into a written stipulation with the disciplinary administrator.
10
"45. Inexperience of the Practice of Law. The Kansas Supreme Court
admitted the respondent to the practice of law in the State of Kansas in 2005. Thus, at the
time of the misconduct, the respondent had been practicing law for 8 years. The hearing
panel concludes that the respondent was inexperienced in the practice of law.
"46. Previous Good Character and Reputation in the Community Including
Any Letters from Clients, Friends, and Lawyers in Support of the Character and General
Reputation of the Attorney. The respondent enjoys the respect of his peers, as evidenced
by the testimony of Justin Barrett and the letters entered into evidence as Exhibits A
through D.
"47. Remorse. During the hearing on the formal complaint, the respondent
expressed heartfelt and genuine remorse. The hearing panel observed physical
manifestations of the respondent's extreme remorse. The respondent's expression of
remorse through his body language and appearance is a compelling factor in mitigation.
"48. In addition to the above-cited factors, the hearing panel has thoroughly
examined and considered the following Standards:
'5.22 Suspension is generally appropriate when a lawyer in an official
or governmental position knowingly fails to follow proper
procedures or rules, and causes injury or potential injury to a
party or to the integrity of the legal process.
'6.12 Suspension is generally appropriate when a lawyer knows that
false statements or documents are being submitted to the court or
that material information is improperly being withheld, and takes
no remedial action, and causes injury or potential injury to a
party to the legal proceeding, or causes an adverse or potentially
adverse effect on the legal proceeding.'
11
"Recommendation
"49. The disciplinary administrator recognized that the ABA Standards
applicable to the case at hand point to a suspension. However, the disciplinary
administrator suggested that the mitigating factors are compelling and warrant a
reduction in the discipline to be imposed. Thus, the disciplinary administrator
recommended that the respondent be censured by the Kansas Supreme Court and that the
censure be published in the Kansas Reports. The respondent also recommended that the
discipline imposed be published censure.
"50. The hearing panel agrees with the disciplinary administrator that the
ABA Standards support a period of suspension. The hearing panel also agrees that the
evidence in mitigation is compelling, particularly the respondent's remorse, and warrants
a less severe sanction in this case. Thus, based upon the parties' stipulation, the findings
of fact, the conclusions of law, and the significant compelling mitigation evidence, the
hearing panel unanimously recommends that the respondent be censured by the Kansas
Supreme Court. The hearing panel further recommends that the censure be published in
the Kansas Reports.
"51. During the hearing on this matter, a hearing panel member asked the
respondent whether he had availed himself of the education and networking opportunities
afforded to prosecutors through the conferences held by the Kansas County and District
Attorney's Association (KCDAA). It appeared to the hearing panel that the respondent
was not thoroughly familiar with the organization. The hearing panel recommends that
the respondent look into membership in the KCDAA and that the respondent avail
himself of the education and networking opportunities offered by the organization.
Further, the hearing panel urges the respondent to attend the next conference offered by
the association.
"52. Costs are assessed against the respondent in an amount to be certified by
the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator."
12
DISCUSSION
In a disciplinary proceeding, this court considers the evidence, the hearing panel's
findings, and the parties' arguments to determine whether KRPC violations exist and, if
they do, what discipline should be imposed. Attorney misconduct must be established by
clear and convincing evidence. In re Foster, 292 Kan. 940, 945, 258 P.3d 375 (2011); see
Supreme Court Rule 211(f) (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 363). Clear and convincing
evidence is "'evidence that causes the factfinder to believe that "the truth of the facts
asserted is highly probable."'" In re Lober, 288 Kan. 498, 505, 204 P.3d 610 (2009)
(quoting In re Dennis, 286 Kan. 708, 725, 188 P.3d 1 [2008]).
Respondent was given adequate notice of the formal complaint, to which he filed
an answer. Respondent filed no exceptions to the final hearing report. As such, the panel's
findings of fact are deemed admitted. Supreme Court Rule 212(c) and (d) (2014 Kan. Ct.
R. Annot. 383).
The evidence before the hearing panel establishes by clear and convincing
evidence the charged misconduct violated KRPC 1.7(a) (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 531)
(conflict of interest); 1.11(c)(1) (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 558) (successive government
and private employment); 3.1 (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 602) (meritorious claims and
contentions); 3.3(d) (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 612) (candor toward tribunal); 4.4(a) (2014
Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 641) (respect for rights of third persons); 8.4(d) (2014 Kan. Ct. R.
Annot. 680) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice); and 8.4(e)
(2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 680) (statement or implication of an ability to influence
improperly a government agency or official). The evidence also supports the panel's
conclusions of law. We adopt the panel's conclusions.
13
The only remaining issue is determining the appropriate discipline for respondent's
violations. At the hearing before this court, the Disciplinary Administrator's office and
respondent both recommended censure by the Kansas Supreme Court and that the
censure should be published in the Kansas Reports. The hearing panel has also
recommended published censure, adding suggestions that respondent investigate
membership with the Kansas County and District Attorney's Association so he may avail
himself of the continuing education and networking opportunities offered by that
organization.
The hearing panel's recommendations are advisory only and do not prevent us
from imposing greater or lesser sanctions. Supreme Court Rule 212(f) (2014 Kan. Ct. R.
Annot. 383); see In re Kline, 298 Kan. 96, 212-13, 311 P.3d 321 (2013). After careful
consideration, the court holds that a greater sanction is appropriate under the
circumstances. The uncontested findings demonstrate respondent committed multiple acts
of professional misconduct, specifically: (1) using his office as Rawlins County Attorney
to threaten felony criminal charges against a civil litigant as a means to force settlement
of a civil suit; (2) failing to provide the court in an ex parte proceeding with all material
facts known to respondent that would have enabled the tribunal to make an informed
decision about the entry of default judgment; (3) creating a concurrent conflict of interest
between his civil client and his prosecutorial responsibilities as Rawlins County
Attorney; and (4) initiating a civil action against an individual without a factual basis for
doing so. The hearing panel and Disciplinary Administrator's office concede this
misconduct points to suspension as the appropriate sanction.
As comment 4 to KRPC 8.4 (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 681) (misconduct) states:
"Lawyers holding public office assume legal responsibilities going beyond those
of other citizens. A lawyer's abuse of public office can suggest an inability to fulfill the
professional role of attorney."
14
See also In re Kline, 298 Kan. 96, 219, 311 P.3d 321 (2013) (as attorney general and later
district attorney, respondent held positions of particular honor, responsibility, and trust
bestowed on him by the citizens of Kansas, which trust was betrayed by his professional
misconduct); In re Swarts, 272 Kan 28, 55, 30 P.3d 1011 (2001) ("When one undertakes
the responsibility of prosecution we must view his or her conduct by an enhanced
standard." [citing United States v. Young, 470 U.S. 1, 25, 84 L. Ed. 2d 1, 105 S. Ct. 1038
(1985)]); State v. Pabst, 268 Kan. 501, 510, 996 P.2d 321 (2000) ("A prosecutor is a
servant of the law and a representative of the people of Kansas"); In re Kraushaar, 258
Kan. 772, 777, 907 P.2d 836 (1995) (Six, J., dissenting) (license to practice law and the
office of county attorney require "a high standard of conduct in order to preserve the
public trust in the profession and respect for our system of justice"); Michael v. Matson,
81 Kan. 360, 367, 105 P. 537 (1909) ("'A county attorney is an officer whose duty it is to
investigate crime and to prosecute therefor, not in the interest of the individual who may
have suffered, but for the good of the state,'" quoting Garbriel v. McMullin, 127 Iowa
426, 429-30, 103 N.W. 355 [1905]).
We have long acknowledged that prosecuting attorneys have broad discretion in
deciding whether to charge someone with a crime. See Comprehensive Health of Planned
Parenthood v. Kline, 287 Kan. 372, 408, 197 P.3d 370 (2008) ("We recognize that a
county attorney or district attorney is the representative of the State in criminal
prosecutions; and he or she has broad discretion in controlling those prosecutions. The
scope of this discretion extends to the power to investigate and to determine who shall be
prosecuted and what crimes shall be charged."); State v. Williamson, 253 Kan. 163, 165,
853 P.2d 56 (1993) (county attorney controls criminal prosecutions); State v. Pruett, 213
Kan. 41, 45, 515 P.2d 1051 (1973) ("Throughout the judicial history of this state this
court has consistently held that a criminal proceeding is a matter of state concern and the
control of it is in the county attorney.").
15
Respondent's misuse of his position as county attorney by attempting to effect a
civil litigation settlement by threatening criminal prosecution strikes this court as
especially egregious. As noted, a critical discretionary stage in our system of criminal
justice is the prosecutor's determination to charge someone with a crime. The public's
trust in the appropriate, good-faith exercise of that discretion is seriously challenged by
respondent's bullying of his opposing counsel by writing: "Anyway, if you guys want to
keep pushing the issue of default judgment, I will just dismiss the [civil] case and file two
felony theft charges against [the civil defendant] instead." This, coupled with the other
incidents of misconduct and the arguments to this court, compel us to conclude the
respondent is presently unable "to fulfill the professional role of attorney." See KRPC
8.4, comment 4 (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 681).
Accordingly, a majority of the court holds that respondent should be suspended
from the practice of law for a period of 2 years. We further hold that respondent should
be permitted to file a motion with this court for early reinstatement after the first 6
months of his suspension. Prior to filing this motion, respondent must have the
Disciplinary Administrator's office's written approval of an 18-month probation plan with
terms and conditions acceptable to that office. Those terms and conditions must
encompass appropriate supervision of respondent's practice of law, including suitable
supervision if respondent returns to the practice of criminal prosecution. See, e.g., In re
Campbell, 290 Kan. 504, 505, 231 P.3d 562 (2010) (respondent required to develop
relationship with another criminal prosecutor and meet regularly to review pending
cases). The written approval and plan of supervision must be filed as exhibits to
respondent's motion for early reinstatement. A minority of the court would impose a
lesser sanction.
16
CONCLUSION AND DISCIPLINE
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Jared Warren Holste be suspended from the
practice of law in the state of Kansas, in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 203(a)(2)
and (5) (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 306), for a 2-year period.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent shall comply with Supreme Court Rule
218 (2014 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 414).
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent may seek early reinstatement by motion
to this court. Prior to filing this motion, respondent must have the written approval of the
office of Disciplinary Administrator for an 18-month probation plan with terms and
conditions acceptable to that office and which conform at a minimum to the conditions
described in this decision. This written approval and plan of supervision must be filed as
exhibits to respondent's motion for early reinstatement. Respondent may file a motion for
early reinstatement any time after the first 6 months of his suspension.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that if respondent does not move for early reinstatement
as provided above, or is denied early reinstatement, and then seeks reinstatement after the
2-year period, respondent shall comply with Supreme Court Rule 219 (2014 Kan. Ct. R.
Annot. 415).
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the costs of these proceedings be assessed to
respondent and that this opinion be published in the official Kansas Reports.
17