Supreme Court of Colorado
The People of the State of Colorado v. Derek W. Cole
November 30, 2011293 P.3d 604
Summary
The Hearing Board found that Respondent violated Colo. RPC 1.1 by incompetently representing a client charged with sexual assault on a child. Respondent failed to understand the governing sentencing scheme, investigate the case, prepare for trial, and obtain appropriate assistance despite the seriousness and specialized nature of the charges. The Board imposed a ninety-day suspension because the deficient representation caused serious potential harm, although not the significant actual injury present in more severe disciplinary precedents.