MEMBERS JAMES M. CAMERON, JR. CHAIRPERSON LAWRENCE G. CAMPBELL VICE-CHAIRPERSON DULCE M. FULLER SECRETARY ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D LOUANN VAN DER WIELE MICHAEL MURRAY
JAMES A. FINK JOHN W. INHULSEN
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
211 WEST FORT STREET, SUITE 1410
DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553 I FAX: 313-963-5571
MARK A. ARMITAGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WENDY A. NEELEY DEPUTY DIRECTOR
SHERRY L. MIFSUD OFFIICE ADMINISTRA TOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY PARALEGAL
KATHLEEN PHILLIPS CASE MANAGER
ALL Y SON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST
www.adbmich.org
FINAL NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No.. 14-39-GA Notice Issued: February 24,, 2015 Matthew Charles Justice, P 71390, Plainwell, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board, affirming the hearing panel's order of suspension and restitution and modifying findings of misconduct.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective August 21,20141 Respondent appeared at the hearing but was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on that default, the hearing panel found that respondent committed the professional misconduct as alleged in Formal Complaint 14-39-GA. (Please see Notice of Suspension and Restitution (Pending Appeal), issued on August 26, 2014.)
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 180 days and that he pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $4,411.00..
Respondent filed a petition for review and motion for a stay of discipline. On August 22, 2014, the Attorney Discipline Board denied respondent's motion for stay and modified the order of discipline as to the payment of costs and restitution.
Upon review, the Attorney Discipline Board affirmed the hearing panel's order of suspension and restitution, but modified the findings of misconduct to dismiss the allegations that respondent had engaged in dishonesty, fraud,, deceit and misrepresentation, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b); and engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty or good morals,, in violation of MCR 9.104(3).. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $2,069.87.
~e~ Dated: 'Rr2 -{-1~' -----
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since August 21,2014. Please see Notice of Suspension and Restitution (Pending Appeal), issued on August 26,2014.