02/29/2012

Evanston Attorney Receives Public Censure

CHEYENNE - Evanston attorney Jack R. Vreeland received a formal public censure by order of the Wyoming Supreme Court today.

In the course of representing a criminal defendant, Vreeland failed to file post-trial motions in a timely manner. That failure led to a finding by the Wyoming Supreme Court that his client had received ineffective assistance of counsel, with the Court ordering a new trial for Vreeland’s client.

The Wyoming Rules of Professional Conduct regulate the conduct of Wyoming attorneys. Vreeland violated Rule 1.1, which requires a lawyer to provide competent representation to a client. Vreeland also violated Rule 1.3, which requires a lawyer to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client.

Vreeland stipulated to these facts and consented to this discipline. The Board of Professional Responsibility approved the stipulation, recommending that the Wyoming Supreme Court publicly reprimand Vreeland. After reviewing the record and recommendation, the Wyoming Supreme Court entered its order publicly censuring Vreeland and requiring him to pay the costs of the Wyoming State Bar for prosecuting this matter.