NOTICE OF REPRIMAND (By Consent)
Case No. 97-205-GA Warren E. Harris, P-44199, Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #13.
1) Reprimand; 2) Effective December 30, 1997. The complainant was sentenced to life imprisonment following a jury trial conviction of first degree murder in Detroit Recorder's Court. A claim of appeal, order appointing counsel and transcripts were filed. Respondent thereafter filed an appearance as retained counsel for the complainant in the matter. Respondent entered a plea of no contest to allegations that he failed to pursue any post-conviction relief on the complainant's behalf; failed to file a brief on appeal, despite an extension of time, and the Court of Appeals issuance of an involuntary dismissal warning letter; filed to file a motion to withdraw; failed to advise the complainant that the Court of Appeals had dismissed his claim of appeal; failed to maintain reasonable communications with the complainant or respond to his numerous inquiries; and failed to timely pay the $200 costs assessed against him by the Court of Appeals for allowing the matter to appear on the involuntary dismissal docket, resulting in the Court issuing an Order to Show Cause.
Respondent entered a plea of no contest to charges that his conduct violated MCR 9.104(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 3.2; and 8.4(a) and (c).
The parties stipulated that respondent be reprimanded. Costs were assessed in the amount of $71.57.