B.P.O.E. #576 v. State Indiana

This disciplinary matter is before us on a one-count verified complaint which charges the Respondent with engaging in misconduct dating from 1969 to February 1972, i.e. participating in an unethical, extortionate scheme, whereby he allegedly received money under the guise of legal fees for purposes other than legitimate legal services. During a portion of the period of misconduct the appropriate standards of professional conduct, as recognized by this Court, were set forth in the Canons of the American Bar Association. In re Holovachka, (1964) 245 Ind. 483, 198 N.E.2d 381; Baker, et al. v. Keisker, (1957) 236 Ind. 617, 142 N.E.2d 432. The Respondent is charged with violating Canons 29 and 32 which, since March 8, 1971, have been embodied in the Code of Professional Responsibility for Attorneys at Law, Disciplinary Rules 1-102(A)(1), (2), (3) and (6).