The People of the State of Colorado v. Stephanie A. Ritland

Summary

The Hearing Board found that Respondent intentionally misrepresented her husband's paternity to obtain a familial adoption, made related false statements in adoption filings, and failed to disclose material facts in an ex parte proceeding. Although disbarment was the presumptive sanction, the Board imposed a three-year suspension because the misconduct arose from extraordinary personal circumstances, occurred outside a traditional client representation, and was mitigated by Respondent's otherwise good character, cooperation, remorse, and other factors.