NOTICE OF SUSPENSION WITH CONDITIONS (By Consent)
Case Nos. 96-254-GA; 97-19-GA Rodney Watts, P-26832, Southfield, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #20.
1) Suspension - Thirty (30) Days; 2) Effective September 30, 1997. Respondent was retained to represent a defendant on an appeal from a criminal conviction in Recorder's Court. He 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; 1.16(d); 3.2; and 8.4(a) and (c).
Respondent was retained by the second complainant to obtain copies of documents relating to a federal flight warrant issued for another person. He pled no contest to allegations that he neglected the matter and failed to answer the Request for Investigation, 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(a) and (b); 1.16(d); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c).
The parties stipulated that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for thirty days, subject to conditions including completion of a law office management course. Costs were assessed in the amount of $250.36.