Narrative Opinion Summary
The case involves disciplinary proceedings against an attorney whose license to practice law in Wisconsin was suspended for 60 days due to professional misconduct. The attorney failed to file income tax returns for several years and did not respond to inquiries from both the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the Board of Attorneys Professional Responsibility. His actions were found to be intentional but not an attempt to evade tax payment. The attorney had a history of disciplinary issues, including previous reprimands for neglecting client matters. His conduct violated multiple Supreme Court Rules, specifically SCR 20:8.4(f), SCR 21.03(4), and SCR 22.07(2). The court ordered the suspension to be effective from August 7, 1989, and required the attorney to pay the costs of the disciplinary proceedings within 60 days, with the risk of further suspension for non-compliance. Additionally, he must adhere to SCR 22.26, defining duties for attorneys whose licenses are suspended. The court's decision underscores the importance of adhering to professional standards and timely cooperation with regulatory inquiries.
Legal Issues Addressed
Consequences of Non-Compliance with SCR 22.26subscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Woodard is required to comply with SCR 22.26 following his suspension, which outlines the responsibilities of individuals whose law licenses have been suspended in Wisconsin.
Reasoning: Stanley V. Woodard is ordered to comply with SCR 22.26, which outlines the responsibilities of individuals whose law licenses have been suspended in Wisconsin.
Disciplinary Action and Suspension for Professional Misconductsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Woodard's license was suspended for 60 days due to his intentional failure to file tax returns and respond to professional responsibility inquiries, reflecting his history of disciplinary actions.
Reasoning: Attorney Stanley V. Woodard's license to practice law in Wisconsin is suspended for 60 days due to professional misconduct.
Obligation to Respond to Grievance Inquiries under SCR 21.03(4) and SCR 22.07(2)subscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Woodard failed to respond to several requests from the Board of Attorneys Professional Responsibility, which is required under SCR 21.03(4) and SCR 22.07(2), thus constituting professional misconduct.
Reasoning: His lack of response to inquiries from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue regarding his tax liability, and his failure to respond to several requests from the Board of Attorneys Professional Responsibility.
Violation of Professional Conduct Standards under SCR 20:8.4(f)subscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Stanley V. Woodard's failure to file tax returns for multiple years constituted a violation of professional conduct standards, as it breached legal statutes governing attorney conduct.
Reasoning: His actions violated professional conduct standards under SCR 20:8.4(f) and SCR 21.03(4) and 22.07(2).