Douglas Evans

DCCA Opinion (June 28, 2018)

Summary: The D.C. Court of Appeals suspended Evans for 30 days, stayed in favor of probation with conditions. This matter involved Evans’ mishandling of an appeal from his client’s conviction in a criminal case. Evans failed to file an appendix to an appellate brief and was replaced by successor counsel after the appeal was dismissed. Evans also failed to communicate to his client that the appeal was dismissed, and to file a motion for a reduction in sentence pursuant to D.C. Superior Court Criminal Rule 35. Evans failed to provide competent representation, failed to serve the client with commensurate skill and care, failed to represent the client with diligence and zeal within legal bounds, failed to act with reasonable promptness, failed to keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter, failed to explain the matter to the extent necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation, failed to take timely steps to the extent reasonably practicable to protect the client’s interests upon termination of the representation, and engaged in conduct that seriously interfered with the administration of justice. Rules 1.1(a), 1.1(b), 1.3(a), 1.3(c), 1.4(a), 1.4(b), 1.16(d), and 8.4(d).