Opinion
No. 06PDJ0009.
May 9, 2006.
Attorney Regulation.
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge approved a Conditional Admission of Misconduct submitted by the parties and suspended Respondent Delwyn George Haroldson (Attorney Registration No. 23211) from the practice of law for a period of six months; all stayed upon the successful completion of a two-year period of probation, with conditions, effective June 9, 2006. Respondent represented three named defendants in a civil matter. After he entered his appearance, Respondent knowingly failed to file timely disclosures, which led to the dismissal of the case. His clients lost the opportunity to litigate their defenses and counterclaims, and one client lost title to a strip of land on her residential property. Respondent subsequently agreed to sign a promissory note for the value of the land lost by his client. Respondent also received a retainer fee and other additional fees for his representation, but failed to deposit the funds into a trust account or provide accountings to his clients. His misconduct constituted grounds for the imposition of discipline pursuant to C.R.C.P. 251.5 and violated Colo. RPC 1.1, 1.3, 1.4(a), 1.5(a)(6), and 1.15(a).