Volume 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020 Court Issue

Transcription

Volume 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020Court Issue

NOW AVAILABLE IN OURCLE ONLINEANYTIMECATALOGMCLE 7/1ELDER LAWIS ON THE RISE:IMPROVE YOUR PRACTICE, INCREASE YOUR CLIENTS!Program Planners:/moderatorsDonna JacksonDonna J. Jackson & Associates, PLLCStephanie AllemanAlleman Law Firm, PLLCStay up-to-date and follow us onto register go to www.okbar.org/cle360The Oklahoma Bar JournalVol. 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL is apublication of the Oklahoma Bar Association. All rights reserved. Copyright 2020Oklahoma Bar Association. Statements oropinions expressed herein are those of theauthors and do not necessarily reflect thoseof the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers,Board of Governors, Board of Editors orstaff. Although advertising copy is reviewed,no endorsement of any product or serviceoffered by any advertisement is intended orimplied by publication. Advertisers are solelyresponsible for the content of their ads, andthe OBA reserves the right to edit or rejectany advertising copy for any reason.Legal articles carried in THE OKLAHOMABAR JOURNAL are selected by the Board ofEditors. Information about submissions canbe found at www.okbar.org.BAR Center StaffJohn Morris Williams, Executive Director; GinaL. Hendryx, General Counsel; Richard Stevens,Ethics Counsel; Jim Calloway, Director of Management Assistance Program; Craig D. Combs,Director of Administration; Susan Damron,Director of Educational Programs; Beverly PetryLewis, Administrator MCLE Commission; CarolA. Manning, Director of Communications; Robbin Watson, Director of Information Technology;Loraine Dillinder Farabow, Peter Haddock,Tracy Pierce Nester, Katherine Ogden,Steve Sullins, Assistant General CounselsLes Arnold, Julie A. Bays, Gary Berger,Debbie Brink, Melody Claridge, Cheryl Corey,Ben Douglas, Dieadra Florence, JohnnyMarie Floyd, Matt Gayle, Suzi Hendrix,Debra Jenkins, Rhonda Langley, Jamie Lane,Durrel Lattimore, Edward Maguire, ReneeMontgomery, Whitney Mosby, Tracy Sanders,Mark Schneidewent, Laura Stone, Kurt Stoner,Krystal Willis, Laura Willis, Laura Wolf &Roberta YarbroughOklahoma Bar Association 405-416-7000Toll Free 800-522-8065FAX 405-416-7001Continuing Legal Education 405-416-7029Ethics Counsel 405-416-7055General Counsel 405-416-7007Lawyers Helping Lawyers 800-364-7886Mgmt. Assistance Program 405-416-7008Mandatory CLE 405-416-7009Board of Bar Examiners 405-416-7075Oklahoma Bar Foundation 405-416-7070www.okbar.orgVol. 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020Volume 91 – No. 7 – April 10, 2020JOURNAL STAFFBOARD OF EDITORSJOHN MORRIS WILLIAMSEditor-in-Chiefjohnw@okbar.orgMELISSA DELACERDAStillwater, ChairCAROL A. MANNING, Editorcarolm@okbar.orgAARON BUNDY, TulsaLAURA STONEAdvertising Managerlauras@okbar.orgLAURA WOLFCommunications Specialistlauraew@okbar.orgLUKE ADAMS, ClintonCASSANDRA L. COATS,VinitaPATRICIA A. FLANAGANYukonAMANDA GRANT, SpiroVIRGINIA D. HENSON, NormanC. SCOTT JONES,Oklahoma CityROY TUCKERMuskogeeOFFICERS &BOARD OF GOVERNORSSUSAN B. SHIELDS, President, Oklahoma City;BRANDI N. NOWAKOWSKI, Vice President, Shawnee; MICHAEL C.MORDY, President-Elect, Ardmore; CHARLES W. CHESNUT,Immediate Past President, Miami; MATTHEW C. BEESE, Muskogee;MICHAEL J. DAVIS, Durant; TIM E. DECLERCK, Enid; JOSHUA A.EDWARDS, Ada; AMBER PECKIO GARRETT, Tulsa; BRIAN T.HERMANSON, Ponca City; ANDREW E. HUTTER, Norman; DAVID T.MCKENZIE, Oklahoma City; BRIAN K. MORTON, Oklahoma City;MILES T. PRINGLE, Oklahoma City; ROBIN L. ROCHELLE, Lawton;D. KENYON WILLIAMS JR., Tulsa; JORDAN L. HAYGOOD, Chairperson, OBA Young Lawyers Division, ShawneeThe Oklahoma Bar Journal Court Issue is published twicemonthly and delivered electronically by the Oklahoma BarAssociation, 1901 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City,Oklahoma 73105.Subscriptions 60 per year that includes the Oklahoma BarJournal magazine published monthly, except June and July.Law students registered with the OBA and senior membersmay subscribe for 30; all active members included in dues.The Oklahoma Bar Journal361

THE SOVEREIGNTY SYMPOSIUMPOSTPONEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTFor Thirty-two years, The Sovereignty Symposium has established itself as the premiergathering for the exchange of legal and scholarly discussions regarding and relating toNative American Law. Because this extraordinary event requires months of planning andrelies on the generosity of faulty and attendees from all over the world, we must consider the current circumstances surrounding the COVID 19 virus and the attempts tocurtail it as soon as possible.This uncertain time leads us to conclude that The Sovereignty Symposium currentlyscheduled for June 10-11, 2020, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, be postponed until it issafe to travel and hold public gatherings. Safety and health are our priority. Please checkback for an announcement as to when it will be rescheduled. In the meantime, stay safeand healthy.The Sovereignty Symposium was established to provide a forum in which ideas concerning common legal issues can be exchanged in a scholarly, non-adversarial environment. The Supreme Court espouses no view on any of the issues, and the position takenby the participants are not endorsed by the Supreme Court of Oklahoma.Noticeof Judicial VacancyThe Judicial Nominating Commission seeks applicants to fill a vacancy for the position of District Judge for Tulsa County, Fourteenth Judicial District, Office 9. This vacancy is created by theretirement of the Honorable Linda G. Morrissey on April 1, 2020.Tulsa County District Judge, Office 9 is an at large position. To be appointed to the office ofTulsa County District Judge, Office 9, one must be a legal resident of Tulsa County at the time(s)he takes the oath of office and assumes the duties of office. Additionally, prior to appointment,such appointee shall have had a minimum of four years’ experience in Oklahoma as a licensedpracticing attorney, a judge of a court of record, or both.Application forms can be obtained online at www.oscn.net (click on “Programs”, then “JudicialNominating Commission”, then “Application”) or by contacting Tammy Reaves at (405) 5569300. Applications must be submitted to the Chairman of the JNC no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2020. Applications may be hand-delivered or mailed. If mailed, they must bepostmarked on or before April 17, 2020 to be deemed timely. Applications should be delivered/mailed to:Jim Webb, ChairmanOklahoma Judicial Nominating Commissionc/o Tammy Reaves — Administrative Office of the Courts2100 N. Lincoln Blvd., Suite 3 Oklahoma City, OK 73105362The Oklahoma Bar JournalVol. 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020

Oklahoma Bar Associationtable ofcontentsApril 10, 2020 Vol. 91 No. 7page364Index to Court Opinions365Opinions of Supreme Court373 Legal Internship Committee Regulationand Interpretation Updates375Opinions of Court of Civil Appeals380Disposition of Cases Other Than by PublicationVol. 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020The Oklahoma Bar Journal363

Index to Opinions of Supreme CourtSCAD NO. 2020-24 FIRST EMERGENCY JOINT ORDER REGARDING THE COVID19 STATE OF DISASTER. 3 6 5SCAD NO. 2020-26 SECOND EMERGENCY ORDER REGARDING THE COVID-19STATE OF DISASTER. 3 6 6SCAD NO. 2020-29. March 25, 2020 SECOND EMERGENCY JOINT ORDER REGARDING THE COVID-19 STATE OF DISASTER. 3 6 62020 OK 18 STATE OF OKLAHOMA ex rel., OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION, Complainant, v. KENT LEROY SIEGRIST, Respondent. SCBD 6825. 3 6 72020 OK 19 State of Oklahoma ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association, Complainant, v. Carolyn Janzen, Respondent. SCBD No. 6903. 3 7 2Index to Opinions of Court of Court of Civil Appeals2020 OK CIV APP 13 BRAD D. ASHER; KIRBY L. JONES, JR.; ARMANDO BELMONTE;FLOYD KENDRICK; LARRY MARTINEZ; STEVE CARTWRIGHT; KEVIN SMITH;DAVID WALTON; GARY SOUTHARD; MICAH KENDRICK; CALEB BECK; RICKYSPRADLIN; STEVE THOMA; CARSON CLAYTON; ERON GIBSON; JOSEPHCHANDLER; WARREN HARVEY, JR.; JIM SELF; AARON GREGORY; BILLYCAPPS; PATRICK SKAGGS; EDWARD PERKINS; DEREK HOEFGEN; JOHN MILLER; JAMES PATTERSON; RON RENO; TIM NICHOLSON; ERIC MOORE; BILLYSPAIN, JR.; WAYNE BETHANY; STEVE ANDERSON; CRAIG IVY; COUGUN LEDFORD; JESSE GERKEN; ROBERT CALVIN; JASON THOMPSON; LAVELLE COLE;RICKEY CARROLL; SHARON CARWRIGHT; DANIEL “KEVIN” POLOVINA;PHILLIP HUDGINGS; DENZEL CLARK; MATTHEW MOSS; TED ZELLERS; TERRYMATTHEWS; DAVID BRITT; ALLAN SEHER; PERRY CARPENTER; KHAMPHACHANH NASSATH; and JEREMY VOSS, Plaintiffs/Appellants, vs. PARSONSELECTRIC, L.L.C.; P1 GROUP, INC.; and WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTINGCOMPANY, Defendants/Appellees. Case No. 117,203. 3 7 5Providing your clients with effective,compassionate addiction treatment.DETOX // RESIDENTIAL Cushing, OKOUTPATIENT // VIRTUAL Oklahoma CityADDICTION TREATMENT AND RECOVERYHope for Life.HELP 24/7: 855-268-HOPEFree Level of Care AssessmentsVisit vha.life/Oklahoma364The Oklahoma Bar JournalVol. 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020

Opinions of Supreme CourtManner and Form of Opinions in the Appellate Courts;See Rule 1.200, Rules — Okla. Sup. Ct. R., 12 O.S. Supp. 1996 (1997 T. 12 Special Supplement)SCAD NO. 2020-24FIRST EMERGENCY JOINT ORDERREGARDING THE COVID-19STATE OF DISASTERMarch 16, 20201. Governor J. Kevin Stitt issued ExecutiveOrder 2020-07 on March 15, 2020, declaring an emergency in all 77 OklahomaCounties caused by the impending threatof COVID-19 to the people of the state.This joint order is issued to clarify the procedures to be followed in all Oklahomadistrict courts and to encourage social distancing and to avoid risks to judges, courtclerks, court employees and the public.2. All district courts in Oklahoma shall immediately cancel all jury terms for the next 30days and release jurors from service. Noadditional jurors shall be summoned without approval of the Chief Justice. All civil,criminal and juvenile jury trials shall becontinued to the next available jury dockets.3. Subject only to constitutional limitations,all deadlines and procedures whether prescribed by statute, rule or order in anycivil, juvenile or criminal case, shall besuspended for 30 days from the date ofthis order. This suspension also applies toappellate rules and procedures for theSupreme Court, the Court of CriminalAppeals, and the Court of Civil Appeals.4. In any civil case, the statute of limitationsshall be extended for 30 days from the dateof this order.5. Subject only to constitutional limitations,assigned judges should reschedule all nonjury trial settings, hearings, and pretrial settings. Emergency matters, arraignments,bond hearings, and required proceedings ofany kind shall be handled on a case by casebasis by the assigned judge. Judges shalluse remote participation to the extent possible by use of telephone conferencing,video conferencing pursuant to Rule 34 ofthe Rules for District Courts, or otherVol. 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020means. The use of email, fax and dropboxes for acceptance of written materials isencouraged, except that the use of emailmay not be used for appellate filings at thistime. If any party or counsel objects to acontinuance of any matter, assigned judgesare encouraged to hold hearings in thesame manner as emergency matters.6. The following persons are prohibited fromentering any courtroom, court clerk’s office, judges’ offices, jury room or otherfacility used by the district courts:a. Persons who have been diagnosed withor have direct contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.b. Persons with symptoms such as fever,severe cough, or shortness of breath.c. Persons who have traveled to any country outside of the U.S. in the past 14 days,and those with whom they live or havehad close contact.d. Persons who are quarantined or isolatedby any doctor or who voluntarily quarantine.e. If you are in one of these categories (a-d)and are scheduled for a court appearance or are seeking emergency relief,contact your attorney, and if you have noattorney, call the court clerk’s office inthe county where you are required toappear.7. All courts may limit the number of personswho may enter any courtroom, judges’ orclerk’s office, jury room or any other facility used by the district courts.8. This order is subject to extension or modification as necessitated by this emergency.IT IS SO ORDERED.DONE BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURTIN CONFERENCE THIS 16TH DAY OFMARCH, 2020.The Oklahoma Bar Journal/s/ NOMA D. GURICHCHIEF JUSTICE365

WITNESS OUR HANDS AND THE SEAL OFTHIS COURT THIS 16TH DAY OF MARCH,2020./s/ DAVID B. LEWISPRESIDING JUDGEIT IS SO ORDERED.SCAD NO. 2020-26SECOND EMERGENCY ORDERREGARDING THE COVID-19STATE OF DISASTERMarch 23, 20201. Governor J. Kevin Stitt issued ExecutiveOrder 2020-07 on March 15, 2020, declaring an emergency in all 77 OklahomaCounties caused by the impending threatof COVID-19 to the people of the state.2. The Oklahoma State School Board onMarch 16, 2020 ordered all accredited public schools in the state to cease operationsfor students and educators until April 6 inresponse to the pandemic COVID-19 novelcoronavirus.3. This SECOND EMERGENCY ORDER isissued to clarify the procedures to be followed in all Oklahoma district courts. Thisorder applies to and clarifies visitation orparenting time schedules in Family/Domestic Relations/Dissolution of Marriage/Paternity/Guardianship and/or any othercases concerning custody and visitation/parenting time of minor children, whereina school schedule is used to determinevisitation and/or custody.4. For purposes of determining a person’sright to custody and visitation/parentingtime, the original published school schedule shall control in all instances. Custodyand visitation/parenting time shall not beaffected by the school’s closure that arisesfrom the COVID-19 pandemic.5. Nothing herein prevents the parties fromaltering a custody and/or visitation orderby written agreement, if allowed by theassigned judge. Written modification agreements will not be enforced unless filed.Based upon courthouse restrictions, it isrecommended that the original signed written agreement, including the case number,be mailed to the court clerk’s office in thedistrict court which has jurisdiction overthe parties.3666. Nothing herein prevents courts from modifying their orders. Courts should use remoteaccess for hearings involving modificationof the existing orders, if possible.DONE BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURTIN CONFERENCE THIS 23rd DAY OFMARCH, 2020./s/ NOMA D. GURICHCHIEF JUSTICESCAD NO. 2020-29. March 25, 2020SECOND EMERGENCY JOINT ORDERREGARDING THE COVID-19STATE OF DISASTER1. The First Emergency Joint Order enteredon March 16, 2020 remains in effect exceptas it is modified herein. To the extent theJoint Emergency Orders conflict with localpractices, the First and Second EmergencyJoint Orders control.2. On March 24, 2020, Governor J. Kevin Stittissued the Fourth Amended ExecutiveOrder 2020-07 and ordered that additionalsteps be taken to protect all Oklahomansfrom the growing threat of COVID-19. ThisSecond Emergency Joint Order joins theGovernor in addressing the ever changingsituation in the district courts in all 77counties as well as the appellate courts inOklahoma and Tulsa Counties. We admonish all Oklahoma judges, court clerks,court employees and staff and the publicto follow the guidelines to protect publichealth set forth in the Governor’s Executive Orders, those issued by the OklahomaDepartment of Health and the CDC.3. All district courts in Oklahoma shall immediately cancel all jury terms throughMay 15, 2020. No additional jurors shallbe summoned without approval of theChief Justice. All civil, criminal and juvenile jury trials shall be continued to thenext available jury dockets. If necessary,additional jury terms may be ordered inJuly and/or August or later in the year.4. Subject only to constitutional limitations,all deadlines and procedures whether prescribed by statute, rule or order in anycivil, juvenile or criminal case, shall besuspended through May 15, 2020. Thissuspension also applies to appellate rulesand procedures for the Supreme Court, theThe Oklahoma Bar JournalVol. 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020

Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Courtof Civil Appeals.5. In any civil case, the statute of limitationsshall be extended through May 15, 2020.6. All courthouses in all 77 counties shall beclosed to the public with exceptions foremergencies as permitted by local order.To the extent that emergency dockets arebeing held, no more than 10 persons including the judge and court personnelshall be in a courtroom at one time. Judgesand other courthouse personnel shall useall available means to ensure the health ofall participants in any court proceeding. Ifjudges continue to hold hearings, all of themandated COVID-19 precautions issuedby the CDC and all State and local governments shall be followed. Judges shall continue to use remote participation to theextent possible by use of telephone conferencing, video conferencing pursuant toRule 34 of the Rules for District Courts, orother means.7. Court clerks and judges shall use email, faxand drop boxes for acceptance of writtenmaterials, except for emergencies. Allappellate filings shall be made by mail.8. This order is subject to extension or modification as necessitated by this emergency.IT IS SO ORDERED.DONE BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURTIN CONFERENCE THIS 27TH DAY OFMARCH, 2020./s/ NOMA D. GURICHCHIEF JUSTICEWITNESS OUR HANDS AND THE SEAL OFTHIS COURT THIS 27TH DAY OF MARCH,2020./s/ DAVID B. LEWISPRESIDING JUDGE2020 OK 18STATE OF OKLAHOMA ex rel.,OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION,Complainant, v. KENT LEROY SIEGRIST,Respondent.SCBD 6825. March 24, 2020ORIGINAL PROCEEDING FORATTORNEY DISCIPLINE¶0 The Complainant, State of Oklahoma exrel. Oklahoma Bar Association, charged the ReVol. 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020spondent Kent Leroy Siegrist with two countsof professional misconduct: (1) Respondent’smisappropriation of 1,135,000.00 as the Personal Representative of his father’s estate, and(2) Respondent’s failure to competently anddiligently represent another client. The Respondent wholly failed to respond to the Complaint, and failed to appear at the disciplinaryhearing, where the facts underlying the Complaint were deemed admitted. The ProfessionalResponsibility Tribunal recommended theRespondent be disbarred from the practice oflaw and to pay the costs associated with theproceedings. Respondent’s actions violate therules of professional conduct and constitute thecommission of acts contrary to prescribed standards of conduct. We hold there is clear andconvincing evidence that the Respondent’sconduct warrants disbarment. The Respondentis disbarred and ordered to pay the costs asherein provided within ninety days after thisopinion becomes final.RESPONDENT DISBARRED ANDORDERED TO PAY COSTS.Stephen L. Sullins, Assistant General Counsel,Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for Complainant.KANE, J.:¶1 Complainant State of Oklahoma ex rel.Oklahoma Bar Association began disciplinaryproceedings pursuant to Rule 6, Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings (RGDP), 5 O.S.2011 ch.1, app. 1-A, alleging two (2) counts ofprofessional misconduct against RespondentKent Leroy Siegrist. The Respondent is anactive member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and is currently in good standing. TheComplainant’s allegations arise in part fromthe Respondent’s mishandling of his father’sestate, as the personal representative for thatestate, and misconduct towards a separate client. The Complainant alleges the Respondent’sactions are in violation of the Oklahoma Rulesof Professional Conduct (ORPC), 5 O.S.2011c

Apr 10, 2020 · Vol. 91 — No. 7 — 4/10/2020 The Oklahoma Bar Journal 365 Opinions of Supreme Court Manner and Form of Opinions in the Appellate Courts; See Rule 1.200, Rules — Okla. Sup. C