In re Artman

Summary

The Supreme Court of Kansas disbarred Roy T. Artman for violating KRPC 8.4(b), (c), and (d). The violations arose from his conviction for leaving the scene of an accident involving death, his failure to disclose alcohol consumption to investigating authorities, and related dishonest conduct. The court made the disbarment effective retroactively to November 27, 2019, the date of his temporary suspension.

Holdings

1. Artman's conviction for leaving the scene of an accident involving death constituted professional misconduct under KRPC 8.4(b) because the criminal act reflected adversely on his honesty, trustworthiness, and fitness as a lawyer.
2. Artman violated KRPC 8.4(c) by engaging in dishonest conduct, including misleading the investigating officer about his alcohol consumption and failing to return to the accident scene.
3. Artman violated KRPC 8.4(d) by engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
4. Disbarment was warranted for Artman's violations of KRPC 8.4(b), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d), with the effective date made retroactive to November 27, 2019.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the evidence established that Artman violated KRPC 8.4(b) by committing a criminal act that reflected adversely on his honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer.
2. Whether Artman violated KRPC 8.4(c) through dishonest conduct, including failing to disclose his dinner alcohol consumption to law enforcement and failing to return to the accident scene.
3. Whether Artman violated KRPC 8.4(d) by engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
4. What discipline was appropriate for the established violations.

Disposition

other