Harker Heights Texas Lawyer King Accused of Demeaning and Threatening Statements During Conversations and Text Messages with Opposing Pro Se

LIT COMMENTARY

Published; 22 Dec., 2019

Texas Lawyer Richard Lee King

Harker Heights attorney Richard Lee King, was representing an ex-husband in a matter in which the ex-wife was pro se. In a phone call with the ex-wife, King allegedly said the woman was an idiot, and threatened to ruin her credit and have a warrant issued for arrest, according to the petition in Commission for Lawyer Discipline v. King.

King continued to harass the woman via text messages, according to the commission, which alleged he violated a rule that prohibits an attorney from representing a client in a way that’s meant to embarrass, delay or burden a third party.

Calling a Pro Se Stupid and Harassing Her Gets this 10-Gallon Hat Wearing Texas Lawyer a Date with Judge Shannon

Harker Heights attorney Richard Lee King, was representing an ex-husband in a matter in which the ex-wife was pro se. In a phone call with the ex-wife, King allegedly said the woman was an idiot, and threatened to ruin her credit and have a warrant issued for arrest, according to the petition in Commission for Lawyer Discipline v. King.

King continued to harass the woman via text messages, according to the commission, which alleged he violated a rule that prohibits an attorney from representing a client in a way that’s meant to embarrass, delay or burden a third party.

The Crux of the Complaint Allegations

(verbatim from the Petition)

Complainant, Kimberlyn Engram, was the pro se respondent in a Motion to Enforce by Contempt, filed on August 30, 2018, in Bell County, Texas, by Respondent, Richard Lee King, on behalf of his client, Johnathen Engram who is Complainant’s ex-husband.

On or about October 23, 2018, Respondent initiated communication with Complainant by email in which he stated that Complainant should call him about the pending motion.

The following day, Complainant called Respondent with the hope that they could resolve the matter by agreement.

When Complainant did not agree with Respondent’s demands, Respondent raised his voice, called Complainant an idiot, threatened to ruin Complainant’s credit, and further threatened to have a warrant issued for her arrest.

Complainant stated that she would no longer speak with Respondent and suggested they should let the Judge resolve the matter.

Complainant ended the call. Nevertheless, Respondent called Complainant only a few minutes later. Respondent delivered a voice message with further demands and warnings.

 Subsequently, Respondent continued to contact Complainant by sending a text to her mobile phone.

Complainant responded, “Sir please do not contact me with your intimidation tactics anymore.” Respondent sent multiple further text communications including the following statements:

“If you report me to the State Bar all that will happen is that you will get laughed at.” “I wouldn’t expect any help from the Judge if l were you.”” … you will have no credibility with the court.”

“You are lying … ” “The judge is not going to be happy with you.”” … it is likely to cost you big time.” “You will be paying your Attorney and my Attorney’s fees.”

Complainant sent a text to Respondent that stated, “Stop contacting me.” Respondent replied, “No” and continued to communicate with Complainant.

The Supreme Court of Texas hereby appoints the Honorable Cheryl Lee Shannon, Judge of the 305th District Court, Dallas County, Texas, to preside in the Disciplinary Action styled:Commission for Lawyer Discipline v. Richard Lee King ( SBOT# 201806819)to be filed in a District Court of Bell County, Texas