MEMBERS WILLIAM J. DANHOF
CHAIRPERSON THOMAS G. KIENBAUM
VICE-CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM l. MATIHEWS, CPA
SECRETARY BILLY BEN BAUMANN, M.D. ANDREA l. SOLAK ROSALIND E. GRIFFIN, M.D. CARL E. VER BEEK
CRAIG H. LUBBEN JAMES M. CAMERON, JR.
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 DETROITAMICHIGAN 48226-3236 PHuNE: 313-963-5553 FAX: 313-963-5571
WWW.ADBMICH.ORG
NOTICE OF REVOCATION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 09-1-GA; 09-12-FA Notice Issued: August 6, 2009 Thomas J. Plachta, P 23705, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-Valley Hearing Panel #1.
1. Revocation 2. Effective August 6,2009 1 The respondent did not appear at the hearing and was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint. Based on that default, the panel found that respondent failed to keep his clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters; failed to comply promptly with reasonable requests for information; failed to deposit an advance fee into an IOlTA; failed to return papers to which the client is entitled; failed to refund the advance payment of fees that had not been earned upon termination of the representation; failed to comply promptly with reasonable requests for information; made a misrepresentation to his client; failed to fully and fairly disclose all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the alleged misconduct in the answer to the request for investigation; failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority; failed to file an answer to the formal complaint; violated or attempted to violate the Rules of Professional Conduct; engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach; engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals; engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice; and failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client.
Respondent's conduct is alleged to be in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.15(g); 1.16(d); 8.1 (a)(2); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be revoked and that he pay restitution in the amount of $1 ,686.75. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,807.18.
Dated: AUG 062009
1 Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since March 21,2009. Please see Notice of Suspension and Restitution With Condition issued March 23,2009.
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