People v. Bell

I dissent.

I am of the opinion that this court should adhere to its pronouncements in In re Sarvas, 140 Colo. 7, 342 P. (2d) 669, and People v. Kistler, 144 Colo. 62, 354 P. (2d) 1022, wherein it was held that one who embezzles his client’s money forfeits his license to practice law.

The purpose of disciplinary proceedings is not to punish the offending lawyer, but rather to protect the public from one who has demonstrated unworthiness of the trust and confidence that should be a part and parcel of all attorney and client relationships.

The respondent should be disbarred from the practice of law…