A Neptune Beach attorney was among those disciplined by the Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders.
W. Alan Winter, of 310 Third St., was reprimanded for professional misconduct, following a Sept. 18 court order. According to The Florida Bar, Winter “made false and reckless accusations that a judge was unbiased and politically influenced by his decisions” and engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice for knowingly disparaging the judge, opposing counsel and the integrity of the jury.
The Court also suspended seven attorneys, disbarred one, reprimanded eight others, placed one on probation, and accepted the resignation of one attorney:
•Terence Millard Brown, Starke, reprimanded for professional misconduct.
•Steven Edward Cohen, Ft. Lauderdale, suspended after being charged with a conspiracy to structure financial transaction to avoid the reporting requirements of Title 31, United States Code and Code of Federal Regulations, a felony.
•Hugo Enrique Dorta, Miami, suspended by emergency from practicing law in Florida until further court order for a misappropriation of client funds.
•Andrean Rose Eaton, Hollywood, suspended and placed on probation for one year after he “failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client; neglected to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information; failed to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation; and violated or attempt to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct.”
•Randall Joel Etheridge, Pensacola, suspended after being charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer in vehicle pursuit, a felony, and was placed on probation for 30 months.
•Ralph Stanley Francois, North Miami Beach, reprimanded for professional misconduct. Francois “failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client; neglected to provide competent representation to a client; failed to make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation; and violated or attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct.”
•Arlene Lloyd Han, Cape Coral, suspended for one year and placed on probation for three years. She also must enter into a contract with Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. after committing a criminal act.
•Leslie Phyllis Holland, Coral Gables, reprimanded for violating trust accounting records and procedures.
•Philip Timothy Howard, Tallahassee, reprimanded for failing to document his authority in every instance to execute a document on behalf of co-counsel.
•Louis Michael Jepeway Jr., Miami, reprimanded. He “failed to properly represent his client in that he did not adequately keep his client reasonably informed as to the status of a case; failed to conduct any discovery or comply with client’s request for information; and failed to properly communicate and represent his client.”
•Arthur H. Lipson, N. Miami Beach, reprimanded after he “filed non-meritorious claims and contentions, expedited litigation, and communicated with person(s) represented by Counsel.”
•Dennis Anthony Lopez, Tampa, reprimanded. He charged or collected excessive fees and violated contingency fee rules.
•Randy Edward Merrill, Naples, reprimanded. Among several Bar violations, Merrill failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and violated rules regulating trust accounts.
•Donald Eugene Pervis, Sarasota, permanently disbarred. Pervis continued to practice law in Florida after entering into a Disciplinary resignation in May.
•Robert Eugene Tamm, Daytona Beach, suspended. A review
of Mathis’ trust accounts
revealed a misappropriation of client funds.
•Steven Edward Waggoner, Ruskin, resigned with leave to seek readmission after three years. Among several Bar violations, Waggoner failed to comply with continuing legal education or basic skills requirements; neglected to provide competent representation to a client; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client; and did not respond, in writing, to official inquiry by Bar counsel.
•Richard P. Warfield, Pensacola, placed on probation. Warfield placed an advertisement in the phone book which was not in compliance with the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.
•Theodore Willard Weeks III, Lakeland, suspended for 10
days and given a three-year
probation, which includes signing a rehabilitation contract with Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. Weeks allegedly knew of a
conflict of interest and did not
fully disclose to a client the possible effect of that conflict; caused injury or potential injury to a client; and knowingly engaged in conduct that was a violation of a duty owed as a professional and caused injury or potential injury to a client, the public, or the legal system.