NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION (By Consent)
Case No. 98-135-GA Paul Daniel Curtis, P-29737, Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #21.
1) Suspension - 40 Days; 2) Effective December 22, 1998. Respondent was retained and paid $5,100 to substitute in as counsel for the complainant in his criminal appellate case. Respondent entered a plea of no contest to allegations that he neglected the matter by failing to timely file the appropriate motions and the required filing fees with the Court of Appeals; failed to refund the unearned portion of the $5,100 fee; filed an untimely answer to the Request for Investigation; failed to produce a complete copy of his client file to the Attorney Grievance Commission upon request and subpoena; and failed to answer correspondence from the AGC or to otherwise provide the requested information.
Respondent pled no contest to charges that his 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 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The parties stipulated that respondent be suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for a period of 40 days effective December 22, 1998, and make restitution to the complainant in the sum of $4,600. Costs were assessed in the amount of $47.69.