NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 03-43-GA Notice Issued: May 28, 2004 Dennis W. Reid, P 37363, Sandusky, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board St. Clair County Hearing Panel #1.
1. Suspension - 6 Months 2. Effective March 26, 2004 The hearing panel found that respondent knowingly submitted false documents to the probate court stating that he had engaged the services of a third party to search for an heir of an estate, and had paid $1,200.00 for such services, when in fact the third party had performed no services and respondent had retained the $1,200.00 in settlement of a disputed fee due from the third party. Respondent also counseled and assisted an individual in avoiding forfeiture of his vehicle after a DUI conviction by setting up and transferring the vehicle to a Michigan corporation to conceal the fact that the individual was actually retaining possession of the vehicle contrary to the order of the court; knowingly made several false statements to the Attorney Grievance Commission in connection with the investigation; and knowingly made false statements to the Michigan Secretary of State=s office deliberately understating the value of the automobile when transferring it to a corporation, thus avoiding the payment of Michigan transfer taxes. Respondent=s conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(5); Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2(a); 1.4(a); 1.15(a) and (b); 1.16(a)(1); 3.3(a)(1) and (3); 4.1; 8.1(a)(1); and 8.4(a)-(c); and MCL 205.27(1)(a) and (c); 205.93; and 257.625n(10).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent=s license be suspended for six months and that he pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $1,800.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $3,859.47.