Opinion
No. MR 20754.
March 2006.
Summary of Misconduct:
Mr. Hildebrand, who was licensed in 1976, was suspended for one year and until further order of the Court. While representing a client in a felony case, he communicated with a witness who was represented by the public defender without the public defender's prior consent. While the felony case was pending, he became the witness' attorney in her own felony case, thus engaging in a conflict of interest because the witness would likely testify against his other client. He was on disciplinary probation for having engaged in a similar conflict of interest at the time that he engaged in the recent misconduct.
Order of the Court:
The petitions by respondent Thomas Earl Hildebrand, Jr., and the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission for leave to file exceptions to the report and recommendation of the Review Board are allowed.
Respondent is suspended from the practice of law for one year and until further order of the Court.
Karmeier, J., took no part.