A Sonic In Hot Springs

The Arkansas Committee on Professional Conduct has reprimanded an attorney.

Respondent was retained to represent a client in a criminal matter after meeting him at a Sonic in Hot Springs where he paid her a $1,000 retainer.

After the meeting, Respondent texted the client asking him if he “felt that” and indicating she wanted to start a relationship with him.

A sexual relationship ensued; Respondent returned the retainer by paying some of his bills.

Respondent visited him out of town and paid the hotel bills.

She represented him at sentencing but

While the sexual relationship was ongoing, [her] representation was competent and beneficial to [his] case; but, as soon as the relationship ended, [her] representation was non-exiistent and/or detrimental to [his] case [in that she had failed to perfect his appeal].

(Mike Frisch)