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State v. Hartman

Citations: 20 Wis. 2d 499; 122 N.W.2d 372; 1963 Wisc. LEXIS 335

Court: Wisconsin Supreme Court; June 28, 1963; Wisconsin; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

George A. Hartman, Jr., an attorney and family court commissioner in Dodge County, was found guilty of unprofessional conduct for failing to timely file his federal income tax return for the year 1959. Although initially charged with failing to file returns for 1957 and 1958, those charges were dismissed. Hartman received a sentence of thirty days in prison and a fine of $1,000 for the 1959 charge. However, considering the circumstances and the affidavits from judges attesting to his ability and integrity, the court deemed a reprimand and the imposition of costs as sufficient discipline. Hartman is ordered to be reprimanded and to pay the costs and expenses of the proceedings, including the plaintiff's attorney fees.

Legal Issues Addressed

Disciplinary Actions for Attorneys

Application: Despite his conviction, the court deemed a reprimand and payment of costs as sufficient discipline due to mitigating factors, including character affidavits.

Reasoning: However, considering the circumstances and the affidavits from judges attesting to his ability and integrity, the court deemed a reprimand and the imposition of costs as sufficient discipline.

Reprimand and Costs Imposed on Attorneys

Application: Hartman was ordered to be reprimanded and to pay the costs and expenses of the proceedings, including the plaintiff's attorney fees.

Reasoning: Hartman is ordered to be reprimanded and to pay the costs and expenses of the proceedings, including the plaintiff's attorney fees.

Unprofessional Conduct by Legal Practitioners

Application: Hartman, an attorney, was found guilty of unprofessional conduct for failing to file his federal income tax return for the year 1959.

Reasoning: George A. Hartman, Jr., an attorney and family court commissioner in Dodge County, was found guilty of unprofessional conduct for failing to timely file his federal income tax return for the year 1959.