NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITION (By Consent)
Case No. 05-92-GA Notice Issued: February 16, 2006
Joseph J. Sefa, P 44891, Davison, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Genesee County Hearing Panel #5
1. Suspension - 179 Days 2. Effective February 16, 2006 The respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for a consent order of discipline containing respondent=s admission of responsibility for charging an illegal and excessive fee in four matters; failing to communicate the basis and rate of his fee in three matters; failing to safekeep his clients= funds in a client trust account; and failing to notify and promptly deliver to his client the funds his client was entitled to receive. Respondent was charged with violations of Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(a) and (b) and 1.15(a) and (b).
The parties agreed that respondent should be suspended for 179 days and that respondent shall pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $6,576.23. The parties further agreed that respondent shall be subject to a condition relevant to the alleged misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $797.57.