In the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against Ty Christopher Willihnganz

Summary

The Supreme Court of Wisconsin publicly reprimanded attorney Ty Christopher Willihnganz for entering a no contest plea on a client's behalf without authorization and for failing to cooperate with the Office of Lawyer Regulation's investigation. The court adopted the referee's findings and ordered Willihnganz to pay $1,207.92 in proceeding costs.

Holdings

1. An attorney violates SCR 20:1.2(a) by changing a client's plea without the client's knowledge or consent, failing to abide by the client's decision concerning the objectives of representation, and failing to consult with the client regarding the means of pursuing those objectives.
2. An attorney violates SCR 21.15(4), SCR 22.03(2), SCR 22.03(6), and SCR 22.04(1) by willfully failing to timely provide relevant information, answer questions fully, or furnish documents requested during an Office of Lawyer Regulation investigation.
3. The established professional misconduct warranted a public reprimand, and Willihnganz was required to pay $1,207.92 in costs and fees incurred in the disciplinary proceeding.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Willihnganz violated SCR 20:1.2(a) by changing the client's plea without the client's knowledge or consent and by failing to abide by the client's decisions concerning the objectives and means of representation.
2. Whether Willihnganz violated SCR 21.15(4), SCR 22.03(2), SCR 22.03(6), and SCR 22.04(1) by willfully failing to provide relevant information, answer questions fully, and furnish documents during the Office of Lawyer Regulation investigation.
3. Whether the established misconduct warranted a public reprimand and assessment of the proceeding costs.

Disposition

other