NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 96-61-GA; 96-79-FA E. Craig Smith, P-36966, Grand Rapids, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Muskegon County Hearing Panel #1.
1) Suspension - sixty (60) days; 2) Effective August 31, 1996. Respondent was appointed as appellate counsel by the Kent County Circuit Court to seek post-conviction relief on behalf of a defendant convicted of First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and Felonious Assault. 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'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 the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(a)and(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
Costs were assessed in the amount of $425.98.