NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 95-216-GA Timothy S. Crawford, P-35730, Detroit, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board affirming Tri-County Hearing Panel #21's Order of Suspension and Restitution and Modifying Effective Date.
1) Suspension - One (1) Year; 2) Effective September 17, 1996. Respondent was suspended from the practice of law in Michigan for 120 days effective August 15, 1994, and remains suspended from the practice of law to date. The panel found that respondent violated the Order of Suspension as follows: In February 1995, he agreed to represent the defendant in a pending criminal matter and related forfeiture action; he accepted a $3,500 fee to represent that defendant; at the time of his retention, he failed to inform the defendant or members of his family that he was suspended; he continued to request and receive additional fees to represent the defendant, totalling approximately $7,000; in March 1995, he rendered legal advise to the defendant's sister; and, after the defendant and his sister learned that respondent was suspended, he failed and refused to comply with their requests for return of the attorney fees.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4) and (9); MCR 9.119; MCL 600.916; MSA 27A.916; and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5(a); 1.15(b); 5.5(a); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for one year effective February 4, 1997, and make restitution to the complainant in the amount of $8,100. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,996.49.
Respondent filed a petition for review. On July 28, 1997, the Attorney Discipline Board entered an Order Affirming Hearing Panel Order of Suspension and Restitution and Modifying Effective Date.