NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITION (Pending Appeal)
Case No. 00-192-GA Notice Issued: October 22, 2002 Che A. Karega, P-31387, Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #76.
1. Suspension - 150 days; 2. Effective October 22, 2002 The hearing panel found that respondent neglected a criminal defense matter entrusted to him; failed to keep his client reasonably informed about the status of her case; and failed to communicate with his client regarding his fees and his decision to discontinue his representation when his client was bound over for trial in a circuit court. Respondent=s conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4); and MRPC 1.1(c); 1.4(a); 1.4(b); and 8.4(a). The hearing panel ordered that respondent=s license to practice be suspended for 150 days with a condition relevant to the established misconduct.
Both the Grievance Administrator and respondent filed timely petitions for review and the Attorney Discipline Board granted respondent's request for a stay of discipline. On September 30, 2002, the Board issued an order affirming the hearing panel=s order of suspension and extended respondent=s stay of discipline an additional 21 days. Costs were assessed in the amount of $783.09.
On October 21, 2002, the Grievance Administrator filed an application for leave to appeal with the Supreme Court seeking increased discipline. The respondent did not file a timely application for leave and the suspension affirmed by the Board took effect on October 22, 2002.