“An Error In Your Favor” Leads To Suspension

The Arizona Presiding Disciplinary Judge has approved a consent disposition in a case involving the attorney’s home mortgage:

For purposes of this agreement the parties agree that Respondent knowingly indicated to a bank in writing that his home had been paid off with “funds derived from real estate investments,” when he knew the home was paid off as a result of a mortgage company disbursement error. Respondent knew that the information that he provided would be relied on by the bank.

An aggravating factor was dishonest motive. (Mike Frisch)