NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 03-177-GA Notice Issued: March 16, 2004 Thomas W. Annelin, P 29695, Traverse City, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Grand Traverse County Hearing Panel #1.
1. Suspension - 180 Days 2. Effective March 16, 2004
The respondent was found to be in default for his failure to file an answer to the formal complaint or appear at the hearing. Based on that default, the panel found that respondent, in a civil case, failed to appear at a pretrial hearing; failed to file witness and exhibits lists with the court; failed to have his client appear for trial, resulting in a $13,000.00 judgment against his client; failed to appear at a hearing on his application for leave to appeal the trial judgment; failed to inform his client of the trial date; and made a false statement to the court that he had informed his client that the matter was settled. Respondent=s conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4(a); 3.3(a)(1); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel issued an order suspending respondent from the practice of law in Michigan for 180 days and assessed costs in the amount of $2,230.96.