Craig v. Maryland

The Attorney Grievance Commission, acting through Bar Counsel, filed a petition with this Court for disciplinary action against James F. Braskey, alleging violations of the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct. The Commission charged respondent with violating Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5 (Fees), 1.7 (Conflict of interest: General rule), 1.15 (Safekeeping property), 8.4 (Misconduct), Maryland Rules 16-604, 16-606, and 16-609 (regarding trust accounts), and Maryland Code (1989, 2000 Repl. Vol.) § 10-306 and § 10-606 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article (regarding trust money and trust accounts). Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-752(a), we referred the matter to Judge W. Kennedy Boone of the Circuit Court for Washington County to make findings of fact and proposed conclusions of law. Judge Boone held an evidentiary hearing and concluded that respondent had violated Rules 1.5(a), 1.7(b), 1.15(a) and (c), 8.4(c) and (d), Maryland Rules 16-604, 16-606, 16-609, and § 10-306 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article.