NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 99-100-GA; 99-128-FA Issued: January 21,2000 Mark D. Maironis, P-31993, Belleville, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #1.
1) Suspension - 180 Days; 2) Effective January 19, 2000. The panel found, by default, that respondent committed professional misconduct, to wit: after filing a divorce complaint on behalf of his client, respondent failed to file a return of service resulting in the dismissal of the divorce action; failed to take any further action to reinstate the matter; failed to promptly advise his client that the matter had been dismissed; made false statements to his client that hearings had been set for October 30, 1998 and November 6, 1998 while knowing the divorce action had been dismissed on October 13, 1997 and had not been reinstated; failed to maintain reasonable communication with his client; abandoned his client; failed to return the unearned fee; and failed to answer the request for investigation submitted by the Attorney Grievance Commission.
The panel concluded that respondent's conduct violated MCR 9.104(1 )-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A); MCR 9.113(B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct: 1.1(a)-(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(a); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b) and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for a period of 180 days. The panel further ordered respondent to make restitution in the amount of $610.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $175.48.