People v. Betterton-Fike.

No. 18PDJ043. 3/15/2020. Opinion on Remand Imposing Sanctions—Attorney Suspended.

January 2021

On remand from the Colorado Supreme Court, a hearing board suspended W. Bradley Betterton-Fike (attorney registration number 36250) for eight months, with the requirement that he seek reinstatement, if at all, under CRCP 251.29(c). Betterton-Fike appealed the hearing board’s opinion on remand; the Colorado Supreme Court affirmed without opinion on November 2, 2020. Betterton-Fike’s suspension took effect on December 18, 2020. To be reinstated, Betterton-Fike must prove by clear and convincing evidence that he has been rehabilitated, has complied with disciplinary orders and rules, and is fit to practice law.

Betterton-Fike assaulted his wife in their marital bedroom when he spat in her face and punched her multiple times in the arm, leading to his criminal assault conviction. Betterton-Fike thereby violated Colo. RPC 8.4(b) (it is professional misconduct for a lawyer to commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respects).

The case file is public per CRCP 251.31.