AMENDED NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND PROBATION Case Nos. 95-51-GA; 95-89-GA Eric S. Handy, P-37618, Detroit, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board affirming Tri-County Hearing Panel #4's Order of Probation and adding an Order of Suspension for thirty (30) days.
1) Suspension - thirty (30) days; Effective December 6, 1996.
2) Probation - one (1) year; Effective February 11, 1997.
Respondent was appointed to represent three defendants in appeals of criminal matters. He admitted that he neglected the matters; failed to answer two Requests for Investigation; and failed to timely answer a third Request for Investigation. 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, 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 3.2; 3.4(c); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a) and (c). On June 10, 1996, the panel entered an order and report finding that respondent had demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence that he was eligible for an order of probation pursuant to MCR 9.121(C), and concluding that he should be placed on probation for a period of one year.
The Grievance Administrator filed a petition for review seeking a suspension in addition to probation. On November 14, 1996, the Attorney Discipline Board entered an order and opinion directing that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for thirty days in addition to the probation. The Board also remanded the matter to the panel for approval and entry of an order of probation. The Order of Probation was entered on January 20, 1997, and is deemed to be effective February 11, 1997. Costs were assessed in the amount of $603.51.
NOTE: Respondent was automatically reinstated to the practice of law pursuant to MCR 9.123(A) on January 7, 1997.