The PEOPLE of the State of Colorado, Complainant
v.
Debra Ann SWEETMAN, Respondent.
Office of the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Colorado.https://leagle.com/images/logo.png
November 3, 2008.
November 3, 2008.
Attorney(s) appearing for the Case
Attorney Regulation. Following a hearing pursuant to C.R.C.P. 251.18, a Hearing Board disbarred Debra Ann Sweetman (Attorney Registration No. 15265) from the practice of law, effective December 4, 2008. Respondent initially failed to participate in these proceedings, later filed an answer after the PDJ agreed to set aside a default judgment, then stopped participating in these proceedings. Respondent, in four separate client matters, neglected their cases, failed to adequately communicate with them, and knowingly converted funds belonging to them. Her misconduct constituted grounds for the imposition of discipline pursuant to C.R.C.P. 251.5 and violated Colo. RPC 1.3, 1.4(a), 1.7(a), 1.16(d), and 8.4(c). Respondent failed to appear for her hearing and therefore also failed to present any mitigating evidence. Accordingly, the Hearing Board found no adequate basis to depart from the presumptive sanction of disbarment.
On June 10, 2008, a Hearing Board composed of JOHN HAYES and JOHN BAKER, both members of the Bar, and WILLIAM R. LUCERO, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge ("PDJ"), held a Hearing pursuant to C.R.C.P. 251.18. April M. Seekamp appeared on behalf of the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel ("the People"). Debra Ann Sweetman ("Respondent") did not appear nor did counsel appear on her behalf. The Hearing Board now issues the following "Opinion and Order Imposing Sanctions Pursuant to C.R.C.P. 251.19."
Office of the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Colorado.
OPINION AND ORDER IMPOSING SANCTIONS PURSUANT TO C.R.C.P. 251.19
I. ISSUE AND SUMMARY
Disbarment is generally appropriate when a lawyer knowingly converts client property and causes injury or potential injury. Suspension is generally appropriate when a lawyer engages in a pattern of neglect and causes injury or potential injury. Respondent, in four separate client matters, neglected...
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