MEMBERS WILLIAM J. DANHOF
CHAIRPERSON THOMAS G. KIENBAUM V/CE·CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM l. MATTHEWS, CPA
SECRETARY ANDREA l. SOLAK ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. CARL E. VER BEEK CRAIG H. LUBBEN
JAMES M. CAMERON, JR. SYLVIA P. WHITMER, Ph.D
STATE OF MICHIGAN ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BOARD
JOHN F. VAN BOlT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MARK A. ARMITAGE DEPUTY DIRECTOR
JENNIFER M. PETTY LEGAL ASSISTANT
211 WEST FORT ST. SUITE 1410 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHONE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 08-52-GA Notice Issued: March 23, 2010 Alexander H. Benson, P 43210, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #78.
1 . Suspension - One Year 2. Effective March 13, 2010 In his answer to the formal complaint, respondent pleaded no contest to the allegations of misconduct in the formal complaint and asserted MCR 9.121 (C) in mitigation. Respondent also appeared at the public hearing. Based on respondent's plea, the hearing panel found that respondent engaged in conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice; violated the criminal laws of the State of Michigan; made a false statement of material fact to a tribunal, failed to disclose a material fact to a tribunal when disclosure was necessary to avoid assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by his client, and offered evidence that he knew was false; falsified evidence, and counseled and assisted a witness to testify falsely; knowingly made a false statement of material fact to a third person; and counseled or assisted a client to engage in conduct that respondent knew to be illegal. The panel found that respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.1 04(A)(1 )-(5); MCl 750.423; MCl 750.157(a); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(c); 3.3(a)(1), (2) and (4); 3.4(b); 4.1; and 8.4(a)-(c).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent be placed on probation for two years. The Grievance Administrator filed a petition for review, seeking an increase in discipline. On February 12,2010, the Attorney Discipline Board issued an opinion and order vacating the hearing panel's order of probation with conditions and imposing a one year suspension of respondent's license to practice law in Michigan, effective March 13, 2010.
Respondent filed a motion for stay and a motion for reconsideration, both of which were denied by the Board. Total costs were assessed in the amount of $3,146.27.
Dated: __________