Opinion
Supreme Court Case No. 22S-DI-416
04-10-2023
In the MATTER OF: Christopher D. STIDHAM, Respondent
Published Order Approving Statement of Circumstances and Conditional Agreement for Discipline
Pursuant to Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 23 (12.1)(b), the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission and Respondent have submitted for approval a "Statement of Circumstances and Conditional Agreement for Discipline" stipulating agreed facts and proposed discipline as summarized below.
Stipulated Facts: In April 2021, Respondent was retained by "Client," who was facing misdemeanor possession of marijuana and paraphernalia charges. In the months that followed an initial phone conversation, Client was unable to speak to Respondent about his case despite a series of attempts.
On August 10, 2021, this Court issued an interim suspension order against Respondent in an unrelated disciplinary matter, which became effective immediately. Respondent did not notify Client as required by Admission and Discipline Rule 23(26). Client appeared at a pre-trial conference on August 23, where the judge informed him of Respondent's suspension. Client retained a different attorney and later entered into a pretrial diversion agreement with the State. Respondent apologized to Client afterwards and issued a full refund.
Violations: The parties agree that Respondent violated these Indiana Professional Conduct Rules prohibiting the following misconduct:
1.3: Failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness.
1.4: Failing to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and failure to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit a client to make informed decisions.
Discipline: The parties propose the appropriate discipline is a public reprimand. The Court, having considered the submissions of the parties, now approves the agreed discipline and imposes a public reprimand for Respondent's misconduct.
The costs of this proceeding are assessed against Respondent. Pursuant to the parties’ stipulation, the Court hereby orders Respondent to pay $250.00 by check made payable and transmitted to the Clerk of the Indiana Supreme Court. Because these costs taxed are payable to the Clerk for court costs, the Clerk shall retain the funds in their entirety upon receipt. The investigative expenses of the Commission, if any, will be submitted separately.
All Justices concur.