Kentucky Bar Association v. Jason Nicholas Martin

Summary

The Supreme Court of Kentucky adopted the Board of Governors’ recommendation in a default attorney-discipline proceeding involving Jason Nicholas Martin. The Court publicly reprimanded Martin for incompetent and nondiligent representation in a probate matter and failure to respond to disciplinary authorities, ordered him to complete the next Ethics and Professionalism Enhancement Program, reinstated him from indefinite suspension, and assessed $91.74 in costs.

Holdings

1. Martin was guilty of violating SCR 3.130(1.1) by failing to provide competent representation, SCR 3.130(1.3) by lacking diligence, and SCR 3.130(8.1)(b) by failing to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority.
2. When the respondent does not request review under SCR 3.370(7), the Court may decline to undertake review and adopt the Board of Governors' recommendation pursuant to SCR 3.370(9).
3. Martin was publicly reprimanded, ordered to attend and successfully complete the next scheduled Ethics and Professionalism Enhancement Program at his own expense, and ordered to pay $91.74 in proceeding costs; his indefinite suspension expired upon entry of the order and he was reinstated to practice.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Martin violated SCR 3.130(1.1), SCR 3.130(1.3), and SCR 3.130(8.1)(b) as charged.
2. Whether the Court should adopt the Board of Governors' recommended discipline when Martin did not request review under SCR 3.370(7).
3. What disciplinary sanctions and costs should be imposed.

Disposition

other