NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 95-279-GA; 96-191-GA; 96-217-FA Anthony E. Walton, P-36628, Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #3.
1) Suspension - One (1) Year; 2) Effective July 25, 1996. Respondent was retained to represent the first complainant in a criminal appeal. Respondent admitted that he neglected the matter; failed to refund the unearned $5,000 fee; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained to represent the second complainant in a criminal appeal. The panel found, by default, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to refund the unearned $5,000 fee; failed to release the file to the complainant upon request; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was appointed to represent the third complainant in a criminal matter in Recorder's Court. The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to communicate with the complainant and failed to keep him reasonably informed concerning the status of the matter; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent also failed to answer a Formal Complaint.
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; 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 one year retroactive to July 25, 1996, the effective date of the sixty day suspension imposed in Case Nos. 95-48-GA; 95-77-FA. (See Notice of Suspension dated July 25, 1996.) Costs were assessed in the amount of $603.75.