Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland v. Lance Butler, III

Summary

The Maryland Court of Appeals held that Lance Butler, III violated Maryland Lawyers’ Rule of Professional Conduct 8.1(b) by failing to respond timely to lawful requests for information from Bar Counsel. The Court concluded that his irrational fear of Bar Counsel did not excuse the delay and imposed a reprimand, while declining to address the Rule 8.4(d) charge because no exception was filed. Judge Watts dissented, concluding that the approximately two-month delay did not constitute a violation under the circumstances.

Holdings

1. An attorney violates MLRPC 8.1(b) by failing to timely respond to lawful requests for information from Bar Counsel in a disciplinary matter. Butler violated the rule by failing to respond promptly to the December 2012 notices that he admittedly received.
2. A reprimand is the appropriate sanction for Butler’s failure to timely respond to Bar Counsel’s lawful requests for information under the circumstances presented.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Butler violated MLRPC 8.1(b) by failing to timely respond to Bar Counsel’s lawful requests for information.
2. What sanction was appropriate for Butler’s violation of MLRPC 8.1(b).

Disposition

other