The Florida Bar v. Curtis S. Alva

Summary

The court upheld the referee’s findings that Alva engaged in misconduct, charged a clearly excessive fee, and violated the rule prohibiting violations of the professional-conduct rules. It rejected the finding that Alva violated the communication rule because the misconduct involved disregarding and unilaterally changing the engagement agreement, not failing to explain its terms. The court imposed a one-year suspension and costs but declined to order restitution because the retainer had already been returned.