In re Sutton

Summary

The Kansas Supreme Court reviewed an uncontested attorney-discipline proceeding involving Jeffery A. Sutton. The court adopted findings that Sutton violated Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4(b), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d) by inadequately explaining a school-attendance order and sending inaccurate information to school principals, and imposed published censure.

Holdings

1. The uncontested panel findings and the evidence established by clear and convincing evidence that Sutton failed to adequately explain the effect of the court's school-attendance order to his client and provided inaccurate information that prejudiced the administration of justice.
2. Sutton violated KRPC 8.4(c) by falsely stating to the school principals that no court order regarding school attendance was in effect when such an order was in effect.
3. Published censure was the appropriate discipline for Sutton's violations.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the evidence established that Sutton violated KRPC 1.4(b), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d).
2. Whether the appropriate discipline for Sutton's misconduct was published censure or a more severe sanction.

Disposition

other