NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 99-020-GA; 99-029-FA Muriel Deborah Trent, P-34910, Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #5.
1) Suspension - 30 Days; 2) Effective May 10, 1999. Respondent was appointed to represent the complainant in a criminal matter in Wayne County Circuit Court. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to communicate with the complainant and failed to respond to his requests for information regarding the status of his matter; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaints. Respondent did, however, appear at the disciplinary hearing.
The panel concluded that respondent's conduct violated MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); ; and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4(a); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for a period of 30 days commencing May 10, 1999. Costs were assessed in the amount of $201.99.