NOTICE OF SUSPENSION (By Consent)
Case No. 97-281-GA David P. LaForge, P-38028, St. Joseph, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Berrien County Hearing Panel.
1) Suspension - Thirty (30) Days; 2) Effective April 14, 1998. Respondent was retained and paid $2,500 to substitute in as counsel for the complainant in the appeal of a criminal matter, and filed a stipulation for substitution of attorney. The Court of Appeals thereafter dismissed the matter. Respondent filed an application for leave to appeal with the Court of Appeals, which dismissed the matter for lack of jurisdiction.
Respondent pled no contest to allegations that he neglected the matter, in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 3.2; 3.4(c); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The parties stipulated that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for thirty (30) days. Costs were assessed in the amount of $9.69.