NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION (Pending Appeal)
Case Nos. 00-175-GA; 00-199-FA Notice Issued: May 7, 2001 Deborah A. Carson, P-37602, Berkley, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #79.
1. Suspension - 90 days. 2. Effective April 19, 2001. The hearing panel found, by default, that respondent had committed acts of professional misconduct warranting discipline, specifically: In a visitation matter, respondent failed to file an emergency motion for visitation on behalf of her client; failed to respond to numerous inquiries from her client or to keep him reasonably informed regarding the status of his matter; abandoned her representation without notice to her client; failed to refund unearned fees; failed to return her client's file; and failed to file an answer to Formal Complaint 00-175-GA. Respondent's conduct was in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4) and (7); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b) and 8.4(a) and (c).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent=s license be suspended for 90 days and that she pay restitution in the amount of $400.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $190.33.
The Grievance Administrator has filed a petition for review seeking increased discipline. Review proceedings have been scheduled before the Attorney Discipline Board.