Discipline Notice - Charles E. Robbins

License Number: 3976
Member Name: Charles E. Robbins
Discipline Detail
Action: Reprimand
Effective Date: 10/18/2002
RPC: 1.6 - Confidentiality
Discipline Notice:
Description: Charles E. Robbins (WSBA No. 3976 admitted 1967), of Puyallup, received a Reprimand on October 18, 2002, following entry of an agreed decision. This discipline was based on his disclosing client confidences in 2001.
In August 2000, Mr. Robbins agreed to represent a client charged with two felonies in Pierce County Superior Court. In February 2001, the client failed to appear for a hearing and the Court issued a bench warrant for her arrest. In March 2001, Mr. Robbins filed a motion requesting permission to withdraw from the representation. In the supporting affidavit filed with the court, Mr. Robbins stated:
The [client’s] failure to appear was not out of mistake. She was fully aware of her court date. She called my office while I was at the courthouse appearing on her case and indicated to my staff that she was “too ill” to come to court. She is well aware that my office is open at 7:30 a.m. yet she chose not to contact me at that time. My staff advised the [client] that if she failed to appear for her hearing a warrant out [sic] be issued. The [client] works, or used to work, at Signature Bail Bonds and she informed me during a telephone conversation I had with her later that morning that she knew “it was no big deal not to appear for her hearing”.
The client did not consent to this disclosure.
Mr. Robbins’ conduct violated RPC 1.6 prohibiting lawyers from revealing client confidences or secrets relating to representation without the client’s consent after consultation.
Douglas Ende represented the Association. Steven J. Brown represented Mr. Robbins. James C. Lawrie was the hearing officer.


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