In Re the Disciplinary Proceeding Against Petersen

This matter is before the court upon its direction to Respondent Richard A. Petersen, an attorney at law, to show cause why he should not be disbarred, contrary to a recommendation by a majority of the Disciplinary Board of the Washington State Bar Association for a suspension for 2 years followed by probation for 2 years. We disagree with the recommendation of the Disciplinary Board and order that respondent be disbarred.

Question Presented

The sole question in this case is whether the appropriate sanction for Respondent Petersen should be disbarment instead of the 2-year suspension and 2-year…