The Idaho Supreme Court has suspended attorney Jeffrey J. Hepworth from practicing law for 18 months due to multiple violations of the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct. The court's decision, filed on October 2, 2026, follows a disciplinary case initiated by the Idaho State Bar (ISB) after Hepworth's conduct during an employment discrimination trial raised serious ethical concerns.
This ruling affects Hepworth, who has been a licensed attorney in Idaho, and serves as a warning to other legal professionals about the importance of maintaining ethical standards in the practice of law. The court's decision underscores the legal profession's commitment to integrity and transparency.
Background
The dispute began when the Idaho State Bar filed a complaint against Jeffrey Hepworth on April 12, 2023, alleging he violated several provisions of the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct during a trial involving his client, Brent Hilliard. The ISB's amended complaint, filed on May 31, 2023, detailed six specific violations, including making false statements and failing to correct misleading information presented to the jury.
The case arose from Hepworth's handling of expert witness compensation during the trial. Hepworth called Justine Sweet to testify regarding an assessment she conducted for Hilliard. During cross-examination, Sweet stated she was paid $40 for her testimony. However, it later emerged that Hepworth had previously issued a check for $91.50 and promised Sweet a reasonable fee for her time, which he did not disclose during the trial. This discrepancy led to a motion for a new trial and ultimately prompted the ISB's disciplinary action.
The Ruling
The Idaho Supreme Court affirmed the findings of the Professional Conduct Board Hearing Committee, which had determined that Hepworth violated all six rules of professional conduct. The court ruled that Hepworth's actions were prejudicial to the administration of justice and that he failed to correct a false statement made during the trial. The court stated, "Hepworth knowingly presented to the jury an inaccurate and incomplete portrayal of the compensation paid to and promised to be paid to Sweet for her testimony."
The court vacated the Committee's recommended sanction of a one-year withheld suspension and instead imposed an 18-month suspension, with the first six months enforced and the remaining 12 months conditionally withheld. This decision highlights the court's stance on the seriousness of the violations and the need for accountability within the legal profession.
Impact
This ruling sets a significant precedent for attorney discipline in Idaho. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency in legal proceedings, particularly regarding witness compensation and testimony. The court's decision serves as a reminder to attorneys that ethical violations can lead to severe consequences, including suspension from practice.
The ruling also impacts the Idaho State Bar's ongoing efforts to uphold professional standards among its members. By affirming the Committee's findings, the court reinforces the message that attorneys must adhere to ethical guidelines to maintain the integrity of the legal profession.
What's Next
Hepworth has the option to appeal the Idaho Supreme Court's decision, but details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. There are no related cases pending at this time.