NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 01-125-GA; 01-138-FA Notice Issued: January 7, 2002 Robert G. Barnhart, P-40991, Ferndale, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #79.
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Suspension - 180 Days;
Effective December 21, 2001.
The hearing panel found by default that respondent had failed to appear at sentencing hearings for two clients. In one of these matters, respondent failed to respond to or appear for a show cause hearing ordered by the court in response to respondent's failure to appear at the sentencing hearing. Respondent also failed to respond to his clients' calls and messages and failed to explain the effect of a criminal conviction on one client's immigration status. Further, respondent failed to answer two requests for investigation and a formal complaint served by the Grievance Administrator. Respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(A)(1)-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A); MCR 9.113(B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a)-(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 3.2; 3.4(c); 8.1; and 8.4(a) and (c).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent=s license be suspended for 180 days and that he pay restitution in the aggregate amount of $6,750.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $278.98.