FELICETTI LAW FIRM PLLC v. DE JESUS (2022)

The Felicetti Law Firm, PLLC (“the Firm”), former counsel for Appellee Antonio De Jesus, appeals the order granting De Jesus's motion to strike the charging lien and deeming the lien waived as a sanction for the Firm's counsel's actions. The Firm argues on appeal that the trial court abused its discretion in striking its charging lien where no sanctionable conduct occurred and, even if a sanction were appropriate, the ultimate sanction of dismissal was too severe. Because no factual findings were made to support the sanction, and because the record does not support the sanction imposed, we must reverse. See Kozel v. Ostendorf, 629 So. 2d 817, 818 (Fla. 1993) (listing factors to be considered, including whether counsel's disobedience was willful, deliberate, or contumacious, in determining whether dismissal is warranted; observing that if a sanction less than dismissal is a viable alternative, the lesser sanction should be employed). In light of the conduct at issue, we remand to the trial court to consider whether lesser sanctions—or any sanctions—are appropriate; any sanctions imposed must be supported by written factual findings.

REVERSED and REMANDED for further proceedings.

WOZNIAK, J.

EDWARDS and HARRIS, JJ., concur.