People v. Spalsbury

*1053OPINION AND ORDER IMPOSING SANCTIONS

SANCTION IMPOSED: ATTORNEY SUSPENDED FOR ONE YEAR & ONE DAY

I. ISSUE

Respondent and his wife divorced in November 2002 and the district court ordered him to pay monthly child support. Although Respondent is aware of this obligation, he has not made a payment since September 2003 and now owes over $10,000. Generally, suspension is the appropriate sanction if a lawyer knowingly violates a court order and thereby causes injury. Respondent claims he is unemployed and cannot pay. Has he nevertheless violated the court’s order?

The Hearing Board heard no evidence…