NOTICE OF INCREASED SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 97-293-GA; 97-315-FA John S. Synowiec, P-48140, Madison Heights and Royal Oak, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board increasing Tri-County Hearing Panel #106's Order of Suspension for 90 days.
1) Suspension - 180 Days; 2) Effective May 27, 1998.1. The complainant paid respondent $400 to represent him as the plaintiff in a pending civil lawsuit in 44th District Court. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected and abandoned the matter; failed to refund the unearned fee; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also failed to answer the Formal Complaints and failed to appear at the disciplinary hearing.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for 90 days and make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $400.
The Grievance Administrator filed a petition for review seeking increased discipline. In an order and opinion issued September 8, 1998, the Attorney Discipline Board increased discipline to a 180-day suspension and affirmed the restitution ordered by the panel. Costs were assessed in the total amount of $203.20. 1. Respondent was also suspended from the practice of law for failure to pay his annual dues to the State Bar of Michigan, effective February 20, 1998. That suspension remains in effect.