Let My People Go

The Hawaii Supreme Court imposed an interim suspension of an attorney. KPAU Hilo reports:

An attorney suspended by the Hawaii Supreme Court this week has had ethical and financial complaints dating more than five years.

KITV reported Wednesday investigative files show complaints against Honolulu attorney Frank M. Fernandez include misappropriation and misuse of client funds, coercion and mixing his law practice with Exodus Bail Bonds, which investigators say is owned by his wife.

He was suspended from practicing law on Monday.

The disciplinary counsel says a judge ordered Fernandez to keep his bail and legal businesses separate in 2006, but recent complaints say he kept bail money as payment for legal work.

He has not responded to requests for comment.

(Mike Frisch)