NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 96-102-GA; 96-117-FA Richard J. Drew, P-23729, Flint, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board increasing Genesee County Hearing Panel #1's Order of Suspension for 120 days.
1) Suspension - 180 Days; 2) Effective January 21, 1997. Respondent was appointed to represent the complainant in the appeal of a criminal conviction. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to answer the Request for Investigation; and failed to answer the Formal Complaints. Respondent 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 1.4(a); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c). The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for 120 days. Costs were assessed in the amount of $186.79.
The Grievance Administrator filed a petition for review. No petition for review or request for stay of discipline was filed by respondent, and the suspension was deemed to be effective January 21, 1997. In an order entered April 22, 1997, the Attorney Discipline Board increased discipline to a 180-day suspension.
NOTE: Respondent was also suspended from the practice of law for failure to pay his annual dues to the State Bar of Michigan effective January 28, 1997.