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James M. Roe (WSBA No. 8553 admitted 1978), of Seattle, received a reprimand effective July 20, 2004, following a default hearing. This discipline is based on his conduct in 2002 involving conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice in a juvenile criminal matter.
In September 2002, Mr. Roe represented a client in a juvenile court matter. When the co-defendant received a deferred prosecution with community service, Mr. Roe asked his client to step into the hallway for a discussion. Mr. Roe pressured his client about the client’s ability to complete community-service hours. The client “bet” that he could complete the hours, and Mr. Roe “bet” that the client could not. Using profanity, Mr. Roe pointed out that the client risked a felony conviction if he failed to complete the required hours. Mr. Roe grabbed the client’s shoulder and pushed him into a corner.
Mr. Roe’s conduct violated RPCs 8.4(d), prohibiting conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice; 8.4(b), prohibiting committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects; and 8.4(i), prohibiting committing an unjustified act of assault.
Linda Eide represented the Bar Association. Mr. Roe represented himself. Andrea Darvas was the hearing officer. |