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Censure for Boise Lawyer Following Misconduct
A Boise attorney has been officially censured following an incident in which he engaged in sexual relations in his firm’s office with both a newly hired attorney and a legal assistant. Subsequently, he attempted to pay them off to ensure their silence regarding the matter.
The Idaho Supreme Court detailed these events in a disciplinary order issued on February 6, noting the actions taken by W. Dustin Charters were harmful to the integrity of the legal profession.
Charters, a partner at a local law firm that remains unnamed in the official documents, accepted responsibility for his actions without contest, agreeing to a stipulation in October that negated the need for a formal hearing.
Details emerging from the disciplinary charges indicate:
The woman involved was a 26-year-old associate who started working at the firm in August 2023. Charters, then 37, supervised her and had sexual encounters with her as well as a legal assistant on September 22. Following the incident, Charters reached out to confirm trust with the lawyer, who agreed.
The following day, Charters contacted the legal assistant to offer whatever assistance they desired, including potential compensation. After expressing interest, she ultimately declined financial remuneration.
Similarly, the new attorney rejected Charters’ offer of compensation two days later, indicating that the incident had impaired her ability to work, which led Charters to propose creating false documents to misrepresent her workload. This proposition was also refused.
On September 26, both women officially reported Charters’ behavior to the firm, resulting in his termination just days later.
Supreme Court’s Decision to Censure
In determining the appropriate sanction, the Idaho Supreme Court considered several factors. Counsel for the state bar, Joseph Pirtle, explained that while disbarment or a private reprimand were options, the court settled on a public censure after reviewing similar cases and adherence to American Bar Association standards for disciplinary actions.
The court found mitigating factors in Charters’ record, noting his lack of previous disciplinary actions, his sincerest acknowledgment of wrongdoing, engagement in extensive counseling, and a commitment to complete 100 hours of community service. Though some evidence considered was sealed, it contributed to the decision.
Charters began his legal career at Powers Farley law firm in 2013, and public records indicate he was still employed there in mid-April 2023, before being fired later that year. The firm did not respond to inquiries regarding his tenure or present comments.
Following his dismissal, Charters joined Gjording Fouser Hall, where he worked until November 2024. Previously published information suggested he held a partner position focused on trial law involving personal injury and wrongful death cases. This information has since been removed from the firm’s website.
Charters’ educational background includes graduating from Emmett High School, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University, and earning a law degree from the University of Idaho. He also served as a law clerk to Judge David W. Gratton of the Idaho Court of Appeals.
Currently, Charters is affiliated with the Tolman Brizee Cannon firm in Twin Falls. He has refrained from commenting on the ongoing situation, other than verifying his age. The firm has not made any statements regarding Charters’ past or present actions.
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