Colorado

Civil Procedure

Civil Procedure

Rule 232.5 – Investigation; Procedure; Subpoenas

(a) All matters within the jurisdiction of the Committee shall be referred to the Regulation Counsel who shall either conduct an investigation or, if the Chair concurs, refer the matter to a member of the Committee pursuant to this rule or to an enlisted member of the Bar pursuant to C.R.C.P. 229(d) for investigation. Unless excused by the Regulation Counsel, the complainant shall be required to submit the complaint in writing and subscribe the same.
(b)

(1) Promptly after receiving a written request for investigation or complaint, the Regulation Counsel shall determine whether to proceed with an investigation. In making such determination, the Regulation Counsel may make such inquiry regarding the underlying facts as the Regulation Counsel deems appropriate.
(2) If the Regulation Counsel determines to proceed with an investigation or refers the matter to a member of the Committee or an enlistee for investigation pursuant to C.R.C.P. 232.5(a), the respondent shall be: notified that the investigation is underway; provided with a copy of the complaint and of the rules governing the investigation; and asked to file with the Regulation Counsel or the person conducting the investigation a written answer to the complaint within 21 days after notice of the investigation is given.
(c) When the investigation is concluded, the Regulation Counsel shall either dismiss the allegations or report to the Committee for a determination as provided in paragraph (d) of this rule. If the Regulation Counsel dismisses the allegations, the person making the allegations may request review of the Regulation Counsel’s decision by the Committee. If such review is requested, the Committee shall review the matter and make a determination as provided in paragraph (d). The Committee shall sustain the dismissal unless it finds that the Regulation Counsel’s action constituted an abuse of discretion. If the Committee sustains a dismissal, it shall furnish the person making the allegations with a written explanation of its decision.
(d) If, after conducting an investigation, the Regulation Counsel believes that the Committee should authorize an informal disposition, civil-injunction proceedings, or contempt proceedings, the Regulation Counsel shall submit a report of the investigation and a recommendation to the Committee. The Committee shall then decide whether to:

(1) dismiss the matter; provided that the dismissal may be either with or without a finding of the unauthorized practice of law, and the letter of dismissal may contain cautionary language if appropriate; and provided that the person making the allegation shall be furnished a written explanation of the Committee’s decision;
(2) conduct further investigation;
(3) enter into an informal disposition with the respondent consisting of a written agreement by the respondent to refrain from the conduct in question, to refund any fees collected, to make restitution and/or to pay a fine that may range from $100 to $250 per incident; such informal dispositions are to be encouraged;
(4) commence civil-injunction proceedings as provided in C.R.C.P. 234 to 237; or
(5) commence contempt proceedings as provided in C.R.C.P. 238 and 239.
(e) At least three Committee members must be present for the Committee to act upon said reports, findings, and recommendations.
(f) In connection with an investigation of the unauthorized practice of law, the Chair or the Regulation Counsel may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of respondents and other witnesses or to compel the production of books, papers, documents, or other evidence. All such subpoenas are subject to the provisions of C.R.C.P. 45.
(g) Any person subpoenaed to appear and give testimony, or to produce books or records, who refuses to appear and give testimony, or to produce the books or records; and any person having been sworn to testify and who refuses to answer any proper questions, may be cited for contempt of the Supreme Court, as provided in C.R.C.P. 107.
(h) Any person investigating a matter pursuant to these rules shall have the power to administer oaths and affirmations, and to take and have transcribed the testimony and evidence of witnesses.
(i) Any person who knowingly obstructs the Regulation Counsel or the Committee, or any part thereof, in the performance of their duties may be cited for contempt of the Supreme Court, as provided in C.R.C.P. 107.

C.R.C.P. 232.5

Source: Entire rule added and effective October 29, 2001; d3 amended and adopted December 14, 2006, effective January 1, 2007; b2 amended and adopted December 14, 2011, effective January 1, 2012, for all cases pending on or filed on or after January 1, 2012, pursuant to C.R.C.P. 1 b.