For decades, discipline for prosecutors was atypical and virtually nonexistent. Times are changing, though, it seems. First, Ken Anderson and Charles Sebesta and now line prosecutors.
In a case of first impression for disciplinary actions, Denton County prosecutor William Schultz found out the hard way that Brady has meaning beyond the courts. While the courts might impose a mistrial, vacate a sentence, or even possibly sanction a prosecutor, the State Bar Disciplinary Panel could enforce broader rules and even discipline. After withholding Brady information, the Board of Disciplinary Appeals pointed out the error of his ways (Schultz had assumed he could determine what was or was not Brady and therefore what was or was not to be turned over) and affirmed his partially probated suspension from the practice of law.
Now, former Williamson County prosecutor Mark Brunner has agreed to a fully probated suspension based on his lack of candor untruthfulness to the court. Brunner represented the State of Texas in a series of charges stemming from a bank robbery. During the prosecution, Brunner was able to reach a plea bargain with the defendant. Apparently, the plea was quite the bargain and even the court was concerned about it. Upon inquiry by the court, Brunner stated he had spoken to the victims and the bank owner and that they were satisfied with the plea agreement. Before the judge accepted the plea, he affirmatively stated, “… but for the acquiescence of this agreement by the victims in this case, I would not be going along with this agreement.”
The court, relying on Brunner’s assertion, approved the plea bargain and sentenced the defendant accordingly. However, Brunner had not spoken with the victims about the plea and none of them were aware of the plea agreement. And, Brunner did nothing to correct his false statement made to the court or relied upon by the court. Thus, the Panel concluded Brunner violated Texas Disciplinary Rule of Professional Conduct 3.03(a)(1): a lawyer shall not knowingly make a false statement of material fact or law to a tribunal.
In his defense, Brunner offered:
When asked why he lied to the Judge, Brunner told KXAN via text message: “I answered the bar with my side of the issue. They obviously saw it otherwise. Id [sic] rather not fight it out with them in public. I had that option and I passed. So I’m still passing.”
While it is unclear whether Brunner was attempting to justify his conduct, he agreed to the discipline. He further agreed to the findings of fact which include the victims were unaware of the plea agreement. Much like defendants work plea bargains to mitigate punishment, perhaps Brunner feared a greater discipline. A fully probated suspension gives him the opportunity to continue practicing law uninterrupted. It certainly could have been worse.
All-in-all, this is a lesson in change for the prosecutorial bar. No longer are complaints simply dismissed. No longer do prosecutors get a pass for their conduct. The Bar is getting serious and it’s time to restore integrity to the prosecutor’s role.