Attorney Charles W. Bassett of Mesa was placed on an interim suspension for failing to comply with the State Bar of Arizona’s request to appear for deposition or provide documentation associated with two bar charges.
A subpoena for deposition was issued by the State Bar of Arizona after Charles W. Bassett failed to respond to two separate bar charges. Bassett also failed to appear for the deposition, which led Bar counsel to request a hearing that would require he show cause for his failure to appear for the deposition.
While Bassett appeared for his hearing on May 31, 2016, the court found his explanation for failing to comply with the Bar’s requests inadequate. He attributed his actions, or lack thereof, to several issues, including his perfectionist traits, lack of having a secretary, and his lost phone, among others. As a result, the presiding disciplinary judge found him in contempt and issued an order of interim suspension.
Charles W. Bassett’s interim suspension was effective on June 7, 2016. It was also ordered that he inform current clients of his sanction, that he not accept new clients or funds for that purpose, and that his trust accounts be frozen.