The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico has ruled to reduce the financial sanction imposed on attorney David LĂłpez Pumarejo from $5,000 to $2,500 in a protracted eviction case involving his client, Johnny Jusino. The court's decision, issued on April 20, 2026, confirms the importance of timely legal proceedings and the responsibilities of attorneys in managing their cases effectively.

This ruling affects both the attorney and his client, highlighting the consequences of legal delays and the need for adherence to court schedules. The case, which has been ongoing for over a decade, underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking resolution in the legal system.

Background

The dispute began on September 30, 2015, when Ángel Álvarez, Camalia Valdés Álvarez, and Julia Pizá Álvarez filed a lawsuit against Johnny Jusino for eviction and collection of unpaid rent. After numerous delays and procedural complications, the lower court ultimately ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering Jusino to pay $3,000 in attorney fees due to what the court described as a “high degree of temerity” exhibited by the defense.

The case was characterized by multiple delays and failures to comply with court orders, primarily attributed to the actions of Jusino and his attorney, LĂłpez. The court noted that the plaintiffs had been deprived of a definitive remedy for over a decade due to these delays, which included repeated requests for postponements and lack of representation at crucial hearings.

The Ruling

The Court of Appeals, presided over by Judge Sánchez Ramos, Judge Romero García, and Judge Pérez Ocasio, reviewed the lower court's decision and the imposition of sanctions against López. The court confirmed the lower court's findings, stating, “the representation legal of the Parte Demandada has deployed a pattern of noncompliance and nonappearance.”

In its ruling, the court acknowledged LĂłpez's medical issues but maintained that his absence and the overall conduct of the defense had significantly impeded the administration of justice. The court ultimately modified the original sanction from $5,000 to $2,500, emphasizing that the reduced amount would be paid to the State of Puerto Rico rather than the plaintiffs, as stipulated under Rule 44.2 of Civil Procedure.

Impact

This ruling serves as a reminder of the responsibilities attorneys have in managing their cases and the potential consequences of failing to do so. It highlights the court's commitment to ensuring that legal proceedings are conducted efficiently and that parties are not unduly delayed in seeking justice.

The decision also sets a precedent regarding the imposition of sanctions on attorneys for noncompliance with court orders. By reducing the sanction, the court acknowledged LĂłpez's medical circumstances while still affirming the necessity of accountability in legal representation.

What's Next

The attorney, David LĂłpez, may choose to appeal the ruling, although details about any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. There are no related cases pending that were mentioned in the opinion.