State v. Minks, Case Number: SCBD-6644

• Decision Date: 03 December 2018
• Docket Number: Case Number: SCBD-6644
• Parties: STATE OF OKLAHOMA ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION Complainant, v. STEVEN PAUL MINKS Respondent.
• Court: Colorado Court of Appeals

2018 OK 92

STATE OF OKLAHOMA ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION Complainant, v. STEVEN PAUL MINKS Respondent.

Case Number: SCBD-6644

Colorado Court of AppealsSUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA

Decided: December 3, 2018

NOTICE: THIS OPINION HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED FOR PUBLICATION. UNTIL RELEASED, IT IS SUBJECT TO REVISION OR WITHDRAWAL.

ORDER OF DISBARMENT

¶1 On March 29, 2018, the Oklahoma Bar Association (Bar Association), filed a complaint in this Court in OBAD #2178 against the respondent, Steven Paul Minks alleging multiple counts of criminal convictions, and misconduct. The respondent has never answered complaint, nor has he participated in the disciplinary proceeding, nor filed anything in this Court. The disciplinary proceedings, and all the misconduct concern the respondent's mishandling client's cases and funds, his failure to communicate with clients and to the Bar Association, and failure to appear on behalf of clients in trial court proceedings.

¶2 The respondent was previously suspended from the Oklahoma Bar Association in an order of immediate interim suspension on May 7, 2018. A disciplinary hearing was held on July 25, 2018. Because the respondent has not participated, the Bar Association seeks to have the allegations against him be deemed admitted pursuant to Rule 6.4 of Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, 5 O.S. 2011, Ch. 1, App. 1-A. The respondent's disciplinary proceedings demonstrate that disbarment is warranted. State ex rel. Okla. Bar Ass'n v. Rowe, 2012 OK 88, 288 P.3d 535; State ex rel. Okla. Bar Ass'n v. Passmore, 2011 OK 90, 264 P.3d 1238; and State ex rel. Okla. Bar Ass'n v. McCoy, 1996 OK 27, 912 P.2d 856.

¶3 THE COURT FINDS:

1. The respondent was previously suspended from the Oklahoma Bar Association in an immediate interim suspension which remains effective, but is immediately lifted in lieu of disbarment.

2. The respondent has not responded to the complaint filed against him or participated in any stage of these proceedings.

3. A disciplinary hearing was held on July 25, 2018. Because the respondent has not participated, the Bar Association seeks to have the allegations against him be deemed admitted pursuant to Rule 6.4 of Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, 5 O.S. 2011, Ch. 1, App. 1-A. Pursuant to Rule 6.4, they are deemed admitted.

4. The Bar Association has proven by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent has violated Rules 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.15 of the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct, 5 O.S. 2011 Ch. 1, App. 3-A, and Rule 1.3 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, 5 O.S. 2011 Ch. 1, App. 1-A.

5. The respondent's disciplinary proceedings demonstrate that disbarment is warranted. Stateex rel. Okla. BarAss'n v. Rowe, 2012 OK 88, 288 P.3d 535; Stateex rel. Okla. BarAss'n v. Passmore, 2011 OK 90, 264 P.3d 1238; and Stateex rel. Okla. BarAss'n v. McCoy, 1996 OK 27, 912 P.2d 856.

6. The official roster addresses of the respondent as shown by the Oklahoma Bar Association are: 404 Dewey Avenue, Poteau, OK 74953 and 1400 West George Street, Pocola, OK 74902.

7. The respondent did not reply to the order issued by the Court on October 15, 2018,

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