nick steffens contempt 3

7/27/2019 Nick Steffens Contempt 3

1/25

Supreme Court of JflortbaTUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013

CASE NO.: SCI2-2607Lower Tribunal No(s).: 2013-50,652(17C)OSC

THE FLORIDA BAR vs. NICHOLAS THEODORESTEFFENS

Complainant(s) Respondent(s)The Florida Bar filed a Petition for Contempt alleging that Respondent has

failed to respond to official Bar inquiries. This Court issued an Order to ShowCause directing Respondent to respond by a date certain why he should not be heldin contempt and suspended until such time as he fully complied in writing to theofficial Bar inquiries. Thereafter, The Florida Bar filed a "Notice of Respondent'sCompliance" stating that Respondent subsequently responded to the inquiries,albeit not in a timely manner. The Court takes very seriously every attorney'sobligation to completely and timely respond to inquiries made by The Florida Bar.Therefore, because Respondent did not respond to the inquiries in a timely manner,Nicholas Theodore Steffens is hereby held in contempt and is hereby publiclyreprimanded.

Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street,Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from Nicholas TheodoreSteffens in the amount of $1,250.00, for which sum let execution issue.

Not final until time expires to file motion for rehearing, and if filed,determined.POLSTON, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, LABARGA, andPERRY, JJ., concur.A True CopyTest:

Clerk, Supreme ComtddServed:KENNETH LAWRENCE MARVIN RONNA FRIEDMAN YOUNGNICHOLAS THEODORE STEFFENS


2/25

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FLORIDA

THE FLORIDA BAR,

Petitioner,

v.

NICHOLAS THEODORE STEFFENS,

Respondent.

Supreme Court Case

No. SC-

The Florida Bar File

No. 2013-90,073(OSC)

________________________________/

THE FLORIDA BARS PETITION FOR CONTEMPT AND ORDER TO

SHOW CAUSE

Petitioner, The Florida Bar, files this, its Petition for Contempt and Order to

Show Cause and requests the respondent, Nicholas Theodore Steffens, be

suspended until he is in compliance with Florida Supreme Court Case No. SC11-

521 and says:

1. In Florida Supreme Court Case No. SC11-521, by order dated October11, 2011, respondent was suspended for 10 days, ordered to pay restitution, and

directed to comply with all other terms and conditions of the report of referee and

the consent judgment.

2. Respondent agreed, in part, to the following requirements: within 30days of the acceptance of the consent judgment respondent shall make an

appointment for an evaluation to be conducted by FLA, Inc. Respondent shall be


3/25

2

evaluated by FLA, Inc. and shall thereafter follow any and all recommendations

that FLA, Inc. deems appropriate. If a rehabilitation contract is recommended by

FLA, Inc., respondent shall enter into such contract for a term to be determined by

FLA, Inc. and shall be subject to any and all conditions recommended by FLA,

Inc. All of the foregoing shall be at the respondents expense.

3. The Florida Bar notified respondent of the conditions associated withhis suspension by letter dated October 27, 2011 which was amended on November

4, 2011 because of a typographical error made in connection with date of the

restitution. See, The Florida Bars letters to respondent dated October 27, 2011

and November 4, 2011 attached hereto as Composite Exhibit A.

4. Respondent scheduled his evaluation with FLA, Inc. on December 9,2011. The evaluation was rescheduled for January 18, 2012. FLA, Inc. needed to

obtain additional information from respondents therapist before FLA, Inc. could

finalize its recommendation for follow-up treatment.

5. Respondent was required to give permission to his therapist to speakwith Dr. Scott Weinstein, Clinical Director of FLA, Inc.

6. On or about May 31, 2012, FLA, Inc. advised The Florida Bar thatthey still had not heard from respondents therapist.

7. On June 12, 2012, The Florida Bar wrote respondent about contactinghis therapist to give his therapist authorization to speak with Dr. Weinstein and


4/25

3

provide the necessary additional information to complete the required evaluation.

See, The Florida Bars letter to respondent dated June 12, 2012, attached hereto as

Exhibit B.

8. On July 3, 2012, respondent entered into a 2 year rehabilitationcontract with FLA, Inc. which included language that respondent is required to

reimburse The Florida Bar for the one-time $250.00 Registration Fee and the

$100.00 monthly monitoring fee for the duration of the contract.

9. On July 11, 2012, The Florida Bar wrote respondent about theRegistration fee and monthly monitoring fees associated with his FLA, Inc.

contract. See, The Florida Bars letter to respondent dated July 11, 2012, attached

hereto as Exhibit C.

10. Respondent failed to pay the one-time $250.00 Registration Fee and$100.00 monthly monitoring fee for the months of July, August and September.

11. On October 24, 2012, The Florida Bar wrote respondent about theRegistration Fee and monitoring fee arrearages. See, The Florida Bars letter to

respondent dated October 24, 2012, attached hereto as Exhibit D.

12. On November 5, 2012, The Florida Bar received a check in theamount of $600.00 from Respondent which was applied to the $250.00

Registration Fee and the remaining $350.00 was applied to the monthly fee for the

months of July, August, September and $50 to the month of October.


5/25

4

13. On December 5, 2012, The Florida Bar wrote respondent about themonitoring fee arrearages consisting of the remaining $50.00 for month of October

and the $100.00 for the months of November and December. See, The Florida

Bars letter to respondent dated December 5, 2012, attached hereto as Exhibit E.

14. Respondent failed to respond to the Bars letter of December 5, 2012and failed to remit payment of the monitoring fee arrearages.

15. On January 10, 2013, The Florida Bar wrote respondent about themonitoring fee arrearages. See, The Florida Bars letter to respondent dated

January 10, 2013, attached hereto as Exhibit F.

16. Respondent failed to respond to the Bars letter of January 10, 2013and failed to remit payment of the monitoring fee arrearages.

17. On January 29, 2013, The Florida Bar again wrote respondent aboutthe monitoring fee arrearages. See, The Florida Bars letter to respondent dated

January 29, 2013, attached hereto as Exhibit G.

18. Respondent failed to respond to the Bars letter of January 29, 2013and failed to remit payment of the monitoring fee arrearages.

19. Respondent has failed to pay the remaining $50.00 monitoring fee forthe month of October and failed to pay the $100.00 monitoring fee for the months

of November and December 2012 and January and February 2013 for a total due

and owing to The Florida Bar of $450.00.


6/25

5

20. Implicit in an order of discipline is enhanced discipline is therespondent fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the courts order.

Therefore, it is appropriate that respondent be suspended until he is in compliance

with the terms and conditions of Florida Supreme Court Case No. SC11-521.

21. The other members of The Florida Bar should not have to pay forrespondents noncompliance with this Courts order and the instant proceeding.

Therefore, pursuant to Rule 3-7.6(q)(1)(I), Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, the

Bar is requesting administrative costs of $1,250.00 against respondent.

WHEREFORE, petitioner, The Florida Bar, respectfully requests this Court

enter its order directing respondent, Nicholas Theodore Steffens, to show cause

why he should not be held in contempt and be suspended until he complies with

the terms of the Courts Order in SC11-521 by paying the $450.00 in monitoring

fee arrearages, and assess costs in the amount of $1,250.00 to The Florida Bar.

Furthermore, The Florida Bar requests that is respondent is suspended for more

than 90 days that he be required to file a petition for reinstatement pursuant to Rule

3-7.10, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.

Arne Carl Vanstrum, Bar CounselThe Florida Bar651 East Jefferson StreetTallahassee, Florida 32399-2300(850) 561-5731


7/25

6

Florida Bar No. [email protected]

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I certify that the original hereof has been filed electronically via the FloridaCourts E-filing Portal to the Honorable Thomas D. Hall, Clerk of the SupremeCourt of Florida, Supreme Court Building, 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee,Florida, 32399-1927, and a true and correct copy has been forwarded by certifiedmail, return receipt requested, 7011 1150 0000 1391 9517, to Mr. NicholasTheodore Steffens, at Nicholas T. Steffens & Associates, 9900 West Sample Road,Suite 300, Coral Springs, FL 33065-4077, with a copy e-mailed to Randi KlaymanLazarus, Bar Counsel, [email protected] to Kenneth Lawrence Marvin,Staff Counsel [email protected], on this 21st day of February, 2013.

Arne Carl Vanstrum, Bar Counsel
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


8/25

THE FLORIDA BAR651EAST JEFFERSON STREET

TALLAHASSEE,FL 32399-2300JOHN F.HARKNESS,JR.EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

850/561-5600WWW.FLABAR.ORG

October 27, 2011

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens5571 N University Drive, Suite 101Coral Springs, FL 33067-4653

Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens; Supreme Court Case No.: SC11-521The Florida Bar File No.: 2011-50,329 (17F)OSC

Dear Mr. Steffens:

Pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court of Florida dated October 11, 2011, you weresuspended from the practice of law for a period of 10 days. The effective date of the suspensionis November 10, 2011, and automatic reinstatement will occur on November 20, 2011. Thefiling of a motion for rehearing does not alter the effective date of the suspension. The court'sorder also assessed costs in the amount of $1,325.00. Your costs are due in this office no laterthan November 28, 2011. Please review the attached Failure to Pay Notice as it maysubstantially affect your continuing ability to practice law. If you are interested in being on apayment plan, and you qualify under the Delinquent Costs paragraph in the attached Failure to

Pay Notice, you need to contact our office immediately.

You are required to pay restitution to Steward Huffaker in the amount of $5,000.00 within 60days of the execution of the consent judgment, to wit: November 7, 2011. You shall provideverifiable proof of payment to this office no later than November 17, 2011. Verifiable proof ofpayment shall consist of a copy (front and back) of the negotiated check or a copy of the checkand certified return receipt. In the event the client cannot be located after diligent search, youshall execute an affidavit of a diligent search and provide same to The Florida Bar and shall paythe full amount of the restitution to the Clients Security Fund of The Florida Bar within 30 days

of the date of the affidavit of diligent search.

Within 30 days of your acceptance of the consent judgment, you were required to make anappointment for an evaluation to be conducted by Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. (FLA,

Inc.). Within 10 days you must notify The Florida Bar of the date of your evaluation with FLA,Inc. You will be evaluated by FLA, Inc. and will thereafter follow any and all recommendationsFLA, Inc. deems appropriate. Within 10 days of FLA, Inc. notifying you of itsrecommendations, you will notify The Florida Bar of same. If a rehabilitation contract isrecommended by FLA, Inc., you will enter into such contact for a term to be determined by FLA,Inc. and will be subject to any and all conditions recommended by FLA, Inc. You will waiveconfidentiality with FLA, Inc. so that FLA, Inc. is authorized, and indeed required, to notify The

COMPOSITE EXHIBIT A


9/25

Mr. Nicholas Theodore SteffensOctober 27, 2011Page 2

Florida Bar of your evaluation and progress during the terms of any treatment recommendedFLA, Inc. Based on this waiver of confidentiality between FLA, Inc. and The Florida Bar, anybreach of your rehabilitation contract with FLA, Inc. regardless of how substantial orinsubstantial such breach may be, will be immediately reported to The Florida Bar. All of theforegoing will be at your expense.

You must follow the provisions of Rule 3-5.1(g). A copy of the order must be provided toclients, opposing counsel, and certain courts, and you must provide an affidavit to us verifyingthat this has been done. A form affidavit is enclosed. The executed affidavit must be providedto this office 30 days after the date of the court orderto wit: November 10, 2011. If you had noclients or pending matters at the time the order was served in this case, the affidavit should so

state. Should you accept employment with a Florida lawyer or law firm, additional requirementsapply. Please see Rule 3-6.1 in this respect.

Sherry Walker, Florida Bar Headquarters Paralegal, will be the contact person at The Florida Barfor issues relating to compliance with the court order and may be contacted at (850) 561-5796should there be any questions regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Lisa Chason, Legal SecretaryLawyer Regulation Headquarters

EnclosuresFailure to Pay Notice, 3-5.1(g) affidavit

cc: Ms. Randi Klayman Lazarus, Bar Counsel, Fort Lauderdale Branch OfficeFlorida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.


10/25

FAILURE TO PAY NOTICE

The Supreme Court of Florida has entered an order assessing costs, fees, imposing fee arbitrationand/or restitution obligations. The requirements of this order create certain obligations of whichyou should be aware.

Making Payment

Please send checks or money orders made payable to "The Florida Bar to the attention of LisaF. Chason, The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300. Pleaseplace The Florida Bar file number on the check so we may extend proper credit for the payment.

Credit card payments are also accepted by submission of the enclosed credit card form. Theentire balance must be paid; no partial payment will be accepted.

Delinquent Costs

Costs are deemed delinquent unless they are paid within 30 days after the recommendationbecomes final. The time for payment may be extended by The Board of Governors (hereafter the

Board) for good cause shown. In order for the Board to approve an extension of time a paymentplan must be requested and certain financial information disclosed. Ordinarily payment plans arenot approved unless extreme financial hardship is proven through financial affidavits that includea statement of assets and liabilities.

Delinquent Fee Arbitration Award(s)

Fee arbitration awards are deemed delinquent unless paid within 30 days after the awardbecomes final. The time for payment may be extended by the Board for good cause shown.

Delinquent Restitution

Restitution is deemed delinquent unless it is made within the time frame and in the mannerprovided by the recommendation or the agreement imposing the obligation. As in the case ofcosts, the time for making restitution may be extended by the Board for good cause shown. Thesame disclosure and the same procedures for obtaining the Boards approval of an extension oftime for making restitution apply as in a request for extension of time in which to make paymentfor costs.

Effect of Delinquency

If costs, restitution or fee arbitration awards become delinquent, you will be deemed a delinquent

member of The Florida Bar and as such will not be entitled to practice law in Florida until suchtime as the delinquency is cured. Cure of the delinquency will include making payment of allrequired obligations, providing proof of payment, filing a petition for removal of delinquencystatus and payment of a $150.00 reinstatement fee. Thereafter the petition will be reviewed and,if appropriate, the delinquency will be removed.


11/25

Lapse of Membership Status

Any member who remains delinquent for a period of five years or longer will lose barmembership. A member whose membership has lapsed may return to the practice of law inFlorida only through application to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, which will includetaking and passing the bar examination and successful completion of the character and fitness

evaluation.

Maintaining Contact

There may be important information that we need to communicate after the recommendationbecomes final. For this reason, it is important to maintain an accurate mailing address, telephonenumber and other contact information. In fact, The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar mandatethat all members of The Florida Bar keep current contact information on file.

If you have any questions about these issues please feel free to contact Lisa F. Chason bytelephone at (800) 342-8060, ext. 3186.


12/25

The Florida Bar

Lawyer RegulationHeadquarters Office

Authorization for Payment by Credit Card

Name ______________________________________________________Bar Number __________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________City ___________________State ________________ Zip______________Phone ______________________________________________________Fax ________________________________________________________E-mail ______________________________________________________

The Florida Bar File No. _______________________________________Date of Assessment ____________________________________________Amount Assessed _____________________________________________Payment Amount _____________________________________________

Credit Card Number ___________________________________________Expiration Date _________________ Visa Mastercard

Discover American Express

(Check One)

I hereby authorize The Florida Bar to charge $___________to the credit card listedabove.

Signature ______________________________ Date _________________

Please submit this form to Lisa F. Chason at The Florida Bar, 651 East JeffersonStreet, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. If you have any questions, please contact Ms.Chason at (850) 561-3186 or at [email protected].

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

ITEM NO. AMOUNT

7200001 $

7200002 $

7200003 $

7500001 $

4400002 $

4400003 $

4400015 $


13/25

STATE OF FLORIDACOUNTY OF __________________

AFFIDAVIT

I, Nicholas Theodore Steffens, after being duly sworn, say:

This affidavit is submitted pursuant to Rule 3-5.1(g) of the Rules of Discipline in conjunction

with the decision in The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens, SC11-521; The Florida BarFile No. 2011-50,329 (17F)OSC.

_____ 1. I had no clients(s) or matter(s) pending at the time of the order directing me tocease the practice of law.

OR

_____ 2.a. I have furnished a copy of the court order to all my clients with matters pendingwhen the court's order was served on me; and

_____ b. to all opposing counsel and co-counsel in the matters listed in 2a. above; and,

_____ c. To all courts, tribunals, or adjudicative agencies before which I am counsel ofrecord.

_____ d. The names and addresses of all persons and entities that have been furnished withsuch notification are indicated on the attached list (Exhibit A), and such is acomplete listing of all persons and entities notified pursuant to this rule.

FURTHER AFFIANT SAYETH NOT.

____________________________________NICHOLAS THEODORE STEFFENS

SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me this ____ day of ______________, 20____.

____________________________________Notary Public

____________________________________Print, type, or stamp commission name ofnotary public

Personally known to me or produced the following identification: _________________________Type of Identification

Return to: The Florida BarAttention: Lisa F. Chason, Legal Secretary651 East Jefferson StreetTallahassee, Florida 32399-2300


14/25




November 4, 2011

AMENDED

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens5571 N University Drive, Suite 101Coral Springs, FL 33067-4653

Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens; Supreme Court Case No.: SC11-521The Florida Bar File No.: 2011-50,329 (17F)OSC

Dear Mr. Steffens:

Pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court of Florida dated October 11, 2011, you weresuspended from the practice of law for a period of 10 days. The effective date of the suspensionis November 10, 2011, and automatic reinstatement will occur on November 20, 2011. Thefiling of a motion for rehearing does not alter the effective date of the suspension. The court'sorder also assessed costs in the amount of $1,325.00. Your costs are due in this office no laterthan November 28, 2011. Please review the attached Failure to Pay Notice as it maysubstantially affect your continuing ability to practice law. If you are interested in being on apayment plan, and you qualify under the Delinquent Costs paragraph in the attached Failure to

Pay Notice, you need to contact our office immediately.

You are required to pay restitution to Steward Huffaker in the amount of $5,000.00 within 60days of the execution of the consent judgment, to wit: November 7, 2011. You shall provideverifiable proof of payment to this office no later than November 7, 2011. Verifiable proof ofpayment shall consist of a copy (front and back) of the negotiated check or a copy of the checkand certified return receipt. In the event the client cannot be located after diligent search, youshall execute an affidavit of a diligent search and provide same to The Florida Bar and shall paythe full amount of the restitution to the Clients Security Fund of The Florida Bar within 30 days

of the date of the affidavit of diligent search.

Within 30 days of your acceptance of the consent judgment, you were required to make anappointment for an evaluation to be conducted by Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. (FLA,

Inc.). Within 10 days you must notify The Florida Bar of the date of your evaluation with FLA,Inc. You will be evaluated by FLA, Inc. and will thereafter follow any and all recommendationsFLA, Inc. deems appropriate. Within 10 days of FLA, Inc. notifying you of itsrecommendations, you will notify The Florida Bar of same. If a rehabilitation contract isrecommended by FLA, Inc., you will enter into such contact for a term to be determined by FLA,Inc. and will be subject to any and all conditions recommended by FLA, Inc. You will waiveconfidentiality with FLA, Inc. so that FLA, Inc. is authorized, and indeed required, to notify The


15/25

Mr. Nicholas Theodore SteffensNovember 4, 2011Page 2

Florida Bar of your evaluation and progress during the terms of any treatment recommendedFLA, Inc. Based on this waiver of confidentiality between FLA, Inc. and The Florida Bar, anybreach of your rehabilitation contract with FLA, Inc. regardless of how substantial orinsubstantial such breach may be, will be immediately reported to The Florida Bar. All of theforegoing will be at your expense.

You must follow the provisions of Rule 3-5.1(g). A copy of the order must be provided toclients, opposing counsel, and certain courts, and you must provide an affidavit to us verifyingthat this has been done. A form affidavit is enclosed. The executed affidavit must be providedto this office 30 days after the date of the court orderto wit: November 10, 2011. If you had noclients or pending matters at the time the order was served in this case, the affidavit should so

state. Should you accept employment with a Florida lawyer or law firm, additional requirementsapply. Please see Rule 3-6.1 in this respect.

Sherry Walker, Florida Bar Headquarters Paralegal, will be the contact person at The Florida Barfor issues relating to compliance with the court order and may be contacted at (850) 561-5796should there be any questions regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Lisa Chason, Legal SecretaryLawyer Regulation Headquarters

EnclosuresFailure to Pay Notice, 3-5.1(g) affidavit

cc: Ms. Randi Klayman Lazarus, Bar Counsel, Fort Lauderdale Branch OfficeFlorida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.


16/25

FAILURE TO PAY NOTICE

The Supreme Court of Florida has entered an order assessing costs, fees, imposing fee arbitrationand/or restitution obligations. The requirements of this order create certain obligations of whichyou should be aware.

Making Payment

Please send checks or money orders made payable to "The Florida Bar to the attention of LisaF. Chason, The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300. Pleaseplace The Florida Bar file number on the check so we may extend proper credit for the payment.

Credit card payments are also accepted by submission of the enclosed credit card form. Theentire balance must be paid; no partial payment will be accepted.

Delinquent Costs

Costs are deemed delinquent unless they are paid within 30 days after the recommendationbecomes final. The time for payment may be extended by The Board of Governors (hereafter the

Board) for good cause shown. In order for the Board to approve an extension of time a paymentplan must be requested and certain financial information disclosed. Ordinarily payment plans arenot approved unless extreme financial hardship is proven through financial affidavits that includea statement of assets and liabilities.

Delinquent Fee Arbitration Award(s)

Fee arbitration awards are deemed delinquent unless paid within 30 days after the awardbecomes final. The time for payment may be extended by the Board for good cause shown.

Delinquent Restitution

Restitution is deemed delinquent unless it is made within the time frame and in the mannerprovided by the recommendation or the agreement imposing the obligation. As in the case ofcosts, the time for making restitution may be extended by the Board for good cause shown. Thesame disclosure and the same procedures for obtaining the Boards approval of an extension oftime for making restitution apply as in a request for extension of time in which to make paymentfor costs.

Effect of Delinquency

If costs, restitution or fee arbitration awards become delinquent, you will be deemed a delinquent

member of The Florida Bar and as such will not be entitled to practice law in Florida until suchtime as the delinquency is cured. Cure of the delinquency will include making payment of allrequired obligations, providing proof of payment, filing a petition for removal of delinquencystatus and payment of a $150.00 reinstatement fee. Thereafter the petition will be reviewed and,if appropriate, the delinquency will be removed.


17/25

Lapse of Membership Status

Any member who remains delinquent for a period of five years or longer will lose barmembership. A member whose membership has lapsed may return to the practice of law inFlorida only through application to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, which will includetaking and passing the bar examination and successful completion of the character and fitness

evaluation.

Maintaining Contact

There may be important information that we need to communicate after the recommendationbecomes final. For this reason, it is important to maintain an accurate mailing address, telephonenumber and other contact information. In fact, The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar mandatethat all members of The Florida Bar keep current contact information on file.

If you have any questions about these issues please feel free to contact Lisa F. Chason bytelephone at (800) 342-8060, ext. 3186.


18/25

The Florida Bar

Lawyer RegulationHeadquarters Office

Authorization for Payment by Credit Card

Name ______________________________________________________Bar Number __________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________City ___________________State ________________ Zip______________Phone ______________________________________________________Fax ________________________________________________________E-mail ______________________________________________________

The Florida Bar File No. _______________________________________Date of Assessment ____________________________________________Amount Assessed _____________________________________________Payment Amount _____________________________________________

Credit Card Number ___________________________________________Expiration Date _________________ Visa Mastercard

Discover American Express

(Check One)

I hereby authorize The Florida Bar to charge $___________to the credit card listedabove.

Signature ______________________________ Date _________________

Please submit this form to Lisa F. Chason at The Florida Bar, 651 East JeffersonStreet, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. If you have any questions, please contact Ms.Chason at (850) 561-3186 or at [email protected].

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

ITEM NO. AMOUNT

7200001 $

7200002 $

7200003 $

7500001 $

4400002 $

4400003 $

4400015 $


19/25

STATE OF FLORIDACOUNTY OF __________________

AFFIDAVIT

I, Nicholas Theodore Steffens, after being duly sworn, say:

This affidavit is submitted pursuant to Rule 3-5.1(g) of the Rules of Discipline in conjunction

with the decision in The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens, SC11-521; The Florida BarFile No. 2011-50,329 (17F)OSC.

_____ 1. I had no clients(s) or matter(s) pending at the time of the order directing me tocease the practice of law.

OR

_____ 2.a. I have furnished a copy of the court order to all my clients with matters pendingwhen the court's order was served on me; and

_____ b. to all opposing counsel and co-counsel in the matters listed in 2a. above; and,

_____ c. To all courts, tribunals, or adjudicative agencies before which I am counsel ofrecord.

_____ d. The names and addresses of all persons and entities that have been furnished withsuch notification are indicated on the attached list (Exhibit A), and such is acomplete listing of all persons and entities notified pursuant to this rule.

FURTHER AFFIANT SAYETH NOT.

____________________________________NICHOLAS THEODORE STEFFENS

SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me this ____ day of ______________, 20____.

____________________________________Notary Public

____________________________________Print, type, or stamp commission name ofnotary public

Personally known to me or produced the following identification: _________________________Type of Identification

Return to: The Florida BarAttention: Lisa F. Chason, Legal Secretary651 East Jefferson StreetTallahassee, Florida 32399-2300


20/25




June 12, 2012

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens

5571 North University Drive, Suite 101Coral Springs, FL 33067-4653

Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore SteffensTFB File Nos. 2011-50,329(17F), et al.

Dear Mr. Steffens:

Pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court of Florida dated October 11, 2011, where you were suspendedfrom the practice of law for 10 days, you were also required to comply with the other terms and

conditions of the report of referee and the consent judgment you entered into on September 7, 2011.Specifically, you agreed to be evaluated by Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. (FLA, Inc.) and to followany and all recommendations that FLA, Inc. deemed appropriate, including entering into a rehabilitationcontract if recommended.

FLA, Inc. has advised The Florida Bar that you met with Dr. Scott Weinstein on January 18, 2012 andyou were required to contact your doctor and give him permission to speak with and provide Dr.

Weinstein with additional information so that your evaluation could be completed. To date, Dr.Weinstein has not heard from either your doctor or you regarding the necessary follow-up information

needed to complete your FLA, Inc. evaluation. Therefore, you are not in compliance with the CourtsOrder. You have 10 days from the date of this letter to re-establish contact with FLA, Inc. and providethem with the necessary follow-up information to complete your evaluation or provide a written statement

as to why you are unable to re-establish contact with FLA, Inc. and provide them with the necessaryfollow-up information to complete your evaluation. If you fail to respond to this inquiry, The Florida Barwill file a Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause seeking enhanced discipline and requesting

administrative costs in the amount of $1,250.00 for filing said petition.

YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION IS REQUIRED.

Sincerely,

Arne Carl Vanstrum, Associate DirectorLawyer Regulation

ACV/srw

cc: Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.

EXHIBIT B


21/25


TALLAHASSEE,FL 32399-2300JOHN F.HARKNESS,JR.EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR


July 11, 2012

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens9900 West Sample Road, Suite 300Coral Springs, FL 33065-4077

Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore SteffensTFB File Nos. 2011-50,329(17F), et al.

Dear Mr. Steffens:

Pursuant to your evaluation, treatment was recommended. You are required to enter into arehabilitation contract with Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. (FLA, Inc.) for treatment andcompliance monitoring for 2 years. FLA, Inc. has notified us that you have signed and returnedyour rehabilitation contract to them. Your contract will run through July 3, 2014. Please providea signed copy of the contract with FLA, Inc. to The Florida Bar Headquarters office by July 31,2012.

The Florida Bar will pay your FLA, Inc. registration fee of $250.00 and a monthly fee to FLA,

Inc. of $100.00 per month, and each month thereafter, until the contract is completed. You mustreimburse The Florida Bar for these fees by the end of each respective month. You will not besent a bill and it is your responsibility to pay these fees on a timely basis. Failure to do so couldbe considered a violation, in which case The Florida Bar will seek enhanced discipline. Pleaseremit the $250.00 registration fee and $100.00 monthly fee for the month of July for a total of$350.00 to The Florida Bar by July 31, 2012.

Sincerely,

Sheryl Remien Walker, CP FCP, FRPCertified Paralegal, Lawyer Regulation Headquarters

/srw


EXHIBIT C


22/25




October 24, 2012

Mr. Nicholas Theodore SteffensNicholas T. Steffens & Associates, PA9900 West Sample Road, Suite 300Coral Springs, FL 33065-4077

Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens

TFB File No. 2011-50,329(17F)

Dear Mr. Steffens:

The Florida Bar has not received your monitoring fees for the months of July through September2012 and the monitoring fee for the month of October is currently due. Additionally, TheFlorida Bar has not received your Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. registration fee for a total dueand owing of $650.00 to The Florida Bar.

You have ten days from the date of this letter to remit the outstanding monitoring fees andregistration fee or provide a written statement as to why you are unable to remit the outstanding

monitoring fee and registration fee. If you fail to respond to this inquiry, The Florida Bar mayfile a Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause and request administrative fees in theamount of $1,250.00 for filing said Petition.


Sincerely,

Arne C. VanstrumAssociate Director of Lawyer Regulation

ACV/mmm


EXHIBIT D


23/25




December 5, 2012



TFB File No. 2011-50,329(17F)

Dear Mr. Steffens:

The Florida Bar has not received your full monitoring fee for the month of October ($50.00 hasbeen paid; $50.00 remaining) and for the month of November 2012. Additionally, themonitoring fee for the month of December is currently due for a total due and owing of $250.00to The Florida Bar.

You have ten days from the date of this letter to remit the outstanding monitoring fees or provide

a written statement as to why you are unable to remit the outstanding monitoring fees.


Sincerely,

Sheryl Remien Walker, CP FCP, FRPCertified ParalegalLawyer Regulation Headquarters

SRW/mmm


EXHIBIT E


24/25




January 10, 2013



TFB File No. 2011-50,329(17F)

Dear Mr. Steffens:

The Florida Bar sent you a letter dated December 5, 2012 and you have failed to respond to theletter.

The Florida Bar has not received your full monitoring fee for the month of October ($50.00 hasbeen paid; $50.00 remaining) and for the months of November and December 2012.Additionally, the monitoring fee for the month of January is currently due for a total due andowing of $350.00 to The Florida Bar.

You have ten days from the date of this letter to remit the outstanding monitoring fees or providea written statement as to why you are unable to remit the outstanding monitoring fees. If you failto respond to this inquiry, The Florida Bar may file a Petition for Contempt and Order to ShowCause and request administrative fees in the amount of $1,250.00 for filing said Petition.


Sincerely,

Arne Carl Vanstrum, Associate DirectorLawyer Regulation Headquarters

ACV/mmm


EXHIBIT F


25/25




January 29, 2013



TFB File No. 2011-50,329(17F)

Dear Mr. Steffens:

The Florida Bar sent you letters dated December 5, 2012 and January 10, 2013, and you havefailed to respond to either letter.

The Florida Bar has not received your full monitoring fee for the month of October ($50.00 hasbeen paid; $50.00 remaining) and for the months of November and December 2012, and January2013. Additionally, the monitoring fee for the month of February will be due in 2 days for atotal due and owing of $450.00 to The Florida Bar.

You have ten days from the date of this letter to remit the outstanding monitoring fees or providea written statement as to why you are unable to remit the outstanding monitoring fees. If you failto respond to this inquiry, The Florida Barwill file a Petition for Contempt and Order to ShowCause and request administrative fees in the amount of $1,250.00 for filing said Petition.


Sincerely,

Arne Carl Vanstrum, Associate DirectorLawyer Regulation Headquarters

ACV/srw


nick steffens contempt 3

Documents