FINAL NOTICE OF REVOCATION Case Nos. 99-165-AI; 99-179-JC Notice Issued: October 10, 2001 Thomas R. Lewis, P-16639, Rogers City, Michigan by the Attorney Discipline Board, affirming Otsego County Hearing Panel's order of revocation and restitution.
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Revocation. Effective October 29, 1999.
On October 29, 1999, respondent was convicted, after entering a no contest plea, in the 26th Circuit Court of embezzlement over $100 in violation of MCL 750.174-B. In accordance with MCR 9.120(B)(1), respondent's license to practice law in Michigan was automatically suspended on the date of that felony conviction.
On November 3, 1999, the Grievance Administrator filed a certified copy of the judgment of conviction pursuant to MCR 9.120(B)(3). In accordance with that rule, the Attorney Discipline Board ordered respondent to appear on August 10, 2000 to show cause why a final order of discipline should not be entered. Respondent did not appear for that hearing. On September 12, 2000, the hearing panel issued an order revoking respondent's license effective October 29, 1999. The respondent filed a timely petition for review citing, among other items, inadequate notice of hearing, abandonment by counsel, and inability to present mitigating evidence.
A review hearing was held on December 14, 2000 and the Attorney Discipline Board issued an order remanding the matter to the hearing panel so respondent would have an opportunity to address the hearing panel and present mitigating evidence. The panel conducted another hearing on July 25, 2001 which was attended by the respondent. On August 23, 2001, the panel filed its supplemental report re-affirming its decision in the September 12, 2000 report. Respondent filed objections to the panel's supplemental report and on September 18, 2001, the Attorney Discipline Board issued an order affirming the hearing panel's order of revocation and restitution. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1, 219.47.