NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 96-223-GA; 96-242-FA Joseph Mansfield, P-40335, St. Johns, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Ingham County Hearing Panel #2.
1) Suspension - 180 Days; 2) Effective March 18, 1997. Respondent was retained by the complainant to file a divorce action. The panel found, by default, that he neglected the matter; failed to refund the unearned $300 fee; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaints. Respondent also failed to attend the disciplinary hearing.
Respondent 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; 1.5(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 180 days and make restitution in the amount of $300. Costs were assessed in the amount of $230.63.
NOTE: Respondent was also suspended from the practice of law effective January 28, 1997, for failure to pay his annual dues to the State Bar of Michigan.