The Florida Bar, Complainant v. Kelsay Dayon Patterson, Respondent.

Summary

The Court upheld the referee's factual findings and the finding of misconduct under Bar Rule 3-4.3, but rejected the referee's recommendations of no guilt under the conflict-of-interest, judicial-integrity, and administration-of-justice rules. It found that Patterson subordinated his client's interests to his own, made unsupported accusations against judges and opposing counsel, and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. The Court therefore imposed a one-year suspension rather than an admonishment and probation.