A disciplinary sanction reported on the web page of the Idaho State Bar

  On January 19, 2016, the Idaho Supreme Court issued a Disciplinary Order suspending Coeur d’Alene attorney Staci L. Anderson from the practice of law for a period of one (1) year, with the entire one year withheld and placing her on disciplinary probation.
           

The Idaho Supreme Court found that Ms. Anderson violated Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 [Diligence], 1.4 [Communication], and 8.4(d) [Conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice].  The Idaho Supreme Court’s Disciplinary Order followed a stipulated resolution of an Idaho State Bar disciplinary proceeding and related to the following circumstances.
           

In July 2013, Ms. Anderson was hired to represent a client charged with first-degree murder. The Court scheduled an October 3, 2014 discovery deadline and a three-week jury trial for October 28, 2014.  On October 3, 2014, Ms. Anderson filed a motion for extension of time to disclose expert witnesses and the Court granted that extension to October 10, 2014.  On October 10, 2014, Ms. Anderson filed a motion requesting a continuance of the trial, and a 30-day extension to identify expert witnesses and file motions in limine.  Ms. Anderson filed an Affidavit in support of that motion stating that she was not prepared to competently and effectively defend her client.  In the Affidavit and at the hearing, Ms. Anderson specified the reasons that she was not prepared for trial.  Ms. Anderson had associated with another lawyer prior to the hearing and the Court determined that Ms. Anderson could remain on the case, but was prohibited from examining witnesses and could not present any motions to the Court.  The client subsequently pleaded guilty to an amended charge of voluntary manslaughter.
           

The Disciplinary Order provides that Ms. Anderson’s one-year suspension is withheld subject to the terms and conditions of her two-year probation.  The terms and conditions of probation include:  a program of random urinalysis, with provision that if Ms. Anderson tests positive for alcohol or other tested substances or misses a random urinalysis test, without prior approval, the entire withheld suspension shall be immediately imposed and served; participation in individual therapy; and if Ms. Anderson admits or is found to have violated any of the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct for which a public sanction is imposed for any conduct during her period of probation, regardless of whether that admission or determination occurs after the expiration of the probationary period, the entire withheld suspension shall be imposed. 
The withheld suspension does not limit Ms. Anderson’s eligibility to practice law.

(Mike Frisch)