Inquiry Commission v. Traci Lee Tidball Peppers

Summary

The Supreme Court of Kentucky temporarily suspended Traci Lee Tidball Peppers from practicing law after finding probable cause that she misappropriated funds belonging to a minor’s estate and that her conduct posed a substantial threat of harm to clients or the public. The order required her to notify clients, cease advertising, and face disciplinary proceedings.

Holdings

1. Probable cause existed under SCR 3.165(1)(a) to believe that Peppers had misappropriated client funds to her own use or otherwise improperly dealt with those funds.
2. Probable cause existed under SCR 3.165(1)(b) to believe that Peppers's misappropriations posed a substantial threat of harm to her clients or the public.
3. Peppers was temporarily suspended from the practice of law in Kentucky effective upon entry of the order and pending further orders from the Court.

Questions Presented

1. Whether probable cause existed under SCR 3.165(1)(a) to believe that Peppers had misappropriated client funds or otherwise improperly dealt with those funds.
2. Whether probable cause existed under SCR 3.165(1)(b) to believe that the alleged misappropriation posed a substantial threat of harm to Peppers's clients or the public.
3. Whether Peppers should be temporarily suspended from the practice of law pending further orders and disciplinary proceedings.

Disposition

writ_granted