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 OFFICE ADMINISTRA TOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY PARALEGAL
KATHLEEN PHILLIPS CASE MANAGER
ALL YSON M. PLOURDE CASE MANAGER
JULIE M. LOISELLE RECEPTIONIST
www.adbmich.org
DISMISSAL Case No. 12-81-GA Dennis H. Snyder, P 29791, Grand Blanc, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board affirming Genesee County Hearing Panel #4's order of dismissal.
1. Dismissal 2. Effective July 11, 2014 Formal Complaint 12-81-GA alleged that respondent, in a criminal matter, failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of the matter and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a); failed to explain the matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit his client to make informed decisions concerning the representation; in violation of MRPC 1.4(b); entered into, charged, and collected a clearly excessive fee, in violation of MRPC 1.5(a); failed to hold property of clients separate from his own property, in violation of MRPC 1.15(d); failed to exercise independent professional judgment and render candid advice, in violation of MRPC 2.1; engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b); engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2); and engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3).
During the proceedings, the Grievance Administrator's counsel voluntarily dismissed all but the charge that respondent failed to adequately communicate with his client, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a) and (b). The hearing panel found that while there was evidence of communication problems, they did not rise to the level of misconduct by a preponderance of the evidence. Accordingly, the hearing panel unanimously concluded that the Grievance Administrator had not met his burden of proof and ordered that Formal Complaint 12-81-GA be dismissed. The complainant subsequently filed a petition for review. On April 1, 2015, the Board affirmed the hearing panel's order of dismissal. The complainant filed a motion for reconsideration which was denied by the Board. Complainant's subsequent application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court was closed because of his failure to comply with a request to provide the court with a certified copy of his institutional account as required by MCl 600.2963(1). No costs were assessed against respondent.
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