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Board of Overseers of the Bar v. J.D. Hoffman, Esq.
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Docket No.: GCF #18-326
Issued by: Grievance Commission
Date: October 28, 2020
Respondent: J.D. Hoffman, Esq.
Bar Number: 008365
Order: Order
Disposition/Conduct: Rejection of Stipulated Report
On October 28, 2020, with due notice, Panel D of the Grievance Commission conducted a public disciplinary hearing pursuant to Maine Bar Rule 13(e)(7)(D), concerning alleged misconduct by the Respondent, J. D. Hoffman, Esq. The disciplinary proceeding was commenced by Bar Counsel’s filing of a March 5, 2020 formal Disciplinary Petition.
At the hearing, Attorney Hoffman was present and represented by his counsel, James M. Bowie, Esq. Assistant Bar Counsel Justin W. Andrus was also present. Complainant Regan A. Sweeney Esq. attended the hearing along with his client, Garth Clark. Prior to the hearing, Assistant Bar Counsel and Attorney Hoffman negotiated a stipulated, proposed sanction Report for the Grievance Commission Panel’s review and consideration.
After consideration and deliberation, the proposed Stipulated Report of Findings and Order is rejected. Given that this is the second proposed settlement that has been rejected, and given some of the questions and concerns this particular Panel had with both the proposed, stipulated factual findings and the proposed conclusions of law and sanctions, this Panel is of the opinion that this matter is better suited for an evidentiary hearing that a third proposed settlement.
The Board Clerk shall schedule this matter for further disciplinary proceedings before a different panel of the Grievance Commission. Those proceedings shall take place pursuant to Bar Rule 13(e)(7). The Board Clerk will notify the parties in advance of the time and place of the next hearing.
Date: October 28, 2020
Luis D. Carrillo, Esq., Panel Chair
Megan A. Sanders, Esq., Panel Member
Malcolm T. Dow, Public Member
