NOTICE OF REVOCATION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 98-19-GA; 98-38-FA William F. Klintworth, P-30993, Suttons Bay, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Cheboygan County Hearing Panel #1.
1) Revocation; 2) Effective November 5, 1998. In January 1997, respondent was retained to pursue a driver's license restoration on the first complainant's behalf. Respondent was suspended from the practice of law for 60 days effective April 19, 1997, and has not been reinstated to the practice of law to present. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to notify the complainant or the tribunal of his suspension; remained counsel of record while suspended; and failed to refund the unearned $590 fee to the complainant.
In July 1996, respondent was retained to pursue a matter involving a real estate dispute on the second complainant's behalf. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to refund the unearned $2,500 fee to the complainant. Respondent also failed to answer the Formal Complaints.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4), (7) and (9); MCR 9.119(A) and (B); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5(a); 1.15(b) 1.16(a); 5.5(a); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law be revoked, and that he make restitution to the complainants in the total amount of $3,090 plus interest. Costs were assessed in the amount of $438.34.