NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 98-33-GA; 98-58-FA Eric E. Biretta, P-37550, Fraser, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #105.
1) Suspension - Suspension 180 Days; 2) Effective June 26, 1998.1. Respondent represented the first complainant in a divorce matter, and represented the second complainant in a traffic matter. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected and abandoned both matters, failed to answer the Requests for Investigation, and failed to answer the Formal Complaints. He also 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); 1.3; 1.4; 1.16(d); 3.2; 3.4(c); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for 180 days, and make restitution to the complainants in the total amount of $1,424. Costs were assessed in the amount of $247.54. 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.