The Florida Bar v. Ratiner

We have for review a referee’s report recommending that respondent Robert Joseph Ratiner, a member of The Florida Bar since 1990, be found guilty of professional misconduct and disciplined. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 15, Fla. Const.

For the reasons explained below, we approve the referee’s findings of fact and recommendations as to guilt. We also approve the mitigating factors and the aggravating factors found by the referee. With regard to discipline, however, we disapprove the referee’s alternative recommendations of disbarment or a two-year suspension. Instead, we impose a public…