Sanchez

This is a proceeding to review a recommendation of the Disciplinary Board of the State Bar that petitioner be suspended from the practice of law for three months. Petitioner was admitted to practice law in California in 1961 and has no prior disciplinary record.

Petitioner was charged in two counts of violating his oath and duties as an attorney (Bus. & Prof. Code, §§ 6067, 6068, 6103) and the commission of acts involving moral turpitude and dishonesty (Bus. & Prof. Code, § 6106), in that he was grossly negligent in the handling of matters entrusted to him by his clients.

Jaramillo Matter (Count I)

On or about November 14, 1967, petitioner’s office was retained to represent Mr. Victor Jaramillo in a personal injury matter. Jaramillo paid petitioner $300. Petitioner had earlier defended Jaramillo in a criminal matter that resulted in a dismissal. Jaramillo claimed to have been mistreated when arrested by the police, and a civil complaint for damages was filed against the City of San Diego. The action was dismissed for failure to serve summons within three years.

Petitioner testified that he had not seen Jaramillo following the conclusion of the criminal matter and did…