In this attorney discipline case, The Florida Bar accused Mr. Payne of violating the ethical standards for lawyers, including misconduct in a real estate matter. The judge-referee recommends that this Court disbar Mr. Payne and require him to pay the Bar’s costs in the disciplinary proceedings. The Florida Bar supports that recommendation. Mr. Payne challenges the referee’s findings of fact in support of the referee’s conclusions as to guilt and the recommendation of disbarment. He argues that a non-rehabilitative suspension is a more appropriate discipline if the Court ultimately concludes that he is guilty of the rule violations.

Case history can be viewed here: http://onlinedocketssc.flcourts.org/DocketResults/CaseDocket?Searchtype=Case+Number&CaseTypeSelected=All&CaseYear=2018&CaseNumber=680