TALLAHASSEE (Florida Record) – Orlando attorney Francis Wesley Blankner Jr. faces suspension following an Aug. 16 Florida Supreme Court order over allegations in two post-conviction matters regarding client representation and for failing to pay income taxes, according to a recent announcement by The Florida Bar.
Blankner's 90-day suspension was effective 30 days from the date of the court's order to allow him time to close out his practice and protect his existing clients' interests, according to the high court's two-page order. After his suspension, Blankner will be placed on nine months probation, according to the court's order.
"In two separate post-conviction matters, Blankner failed to provide his clients with competent and diligent representation," the state bar said in its Aug. 31 announcement of the discipline and the Supreme Court's order. "He also failed to adequately communicate regarding their criminal matters. Blankner agreed to a stipulation with the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division for failing to pay his personal income taxes."
Blankner also was ordered to pay approximately $1,630 in costs.
Florida court orders are not final until time to file a rehearing motion expires. Filing such a motion does not alter the effective date of Blankner's suspension
Blankner was admitted to the bar in Florida on Nov. 18, 1977, according to his profile at the state bar website.
Blankner waived his right to a probable cause hearing before a grievance committee and stipulated to a finding of probable cause, according to the nine-page consent judgment filed with the court. The consent judgment also includes Blankner's conditional guilty plea.
Blankner admitted that he failed to fully pay his personal federal taxes for the years 2004 to 2007 and 2010 to 2013, though he did file returns with the Internal Revenue Service, according to the consent judgment.
"(Blankner) failed to pay his taxes because his income was overstated as a result of his law firm former partner taking funds without his knowledge," the consent judgment said.
The U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division obtained a civil judgment against Blankner for approximately $747,180, after which Blankner agreed to pay $500,000 to satisfy his tax obligation and the rest will be waived.