The Florida Bar, Complainant v. Phillip J. Brutus, Respondent

Summary

The Court approved the referee’s factual findings and determinations that Brutus violated the professional conduct rules through improper disbursement of entrusted marital funds and repeated trust-account deficiencies. It rejected the finding that he acted with a dishonest or selfish motive but upheld the remaining relevant aggravating and mitigating factors. Concluding that the misconduct warranted more serious discipline than recommended, the Court imposed a one-year suspension followed by two years of probation. The Court also required compliance with the probation conditions, delayed the suspension for thirty days absent an earlier request, prohibited new business, and awarded costs.