Carlton H. Campbell

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Attorney Carlton Campbell was retained to handle a land purchase in Saint Elizabeth. He received funds for stamp duty, transfer tax and registration fees but failed to pay them and falsely told the clients (in writing) that the duties had been paid. Due to his delay the clients incurred penalties and had to complete the transaction themselves. The panel found him in breach of Canon IV(r) for failing to act with due expedition and for failing to give truthful information. He was ordered to pay the complainants JMD 61,810 (restitution of penalty JMD 49,410, part refund of fees JMD 7,000, costs JMD 5,400) and a fine of JMD 50,000 (split JMD 25,000 to complainants, JMD 25,000 to the GLC), payable by 30 November 2001, failing which he would be suspended for 3 months.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Gave false written information to clients that stamp duties had been paid when they had not
• Clients incurred penalties and additional expense and inconvenience as a result of his conduct

Mitigating factors:

• Refunded JMD 50,500 to the complainants before the conclusion of proceedings
• Undertook to contribute any additional fees or duties arising on the application for title