NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 95-170-GA; 95-187-FA Sonja J. Branham, P-37754, Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #3.
1) Suspension - thirty-seven (37) months; 2) Effective June 13, 1996. The panel found, by a preponderance of the evidence, that respondent used her mother's identity and employment information in applying for the purchase and financing of an automobile; used a false driver's license number on the retail installment contract; signed her mother's name on the retail installment contract; and failed to cooperate in the Attorney Grievance Commission's investigation. Respondent also failed to appear at three of the four disciplinary hearings. Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 8.1(b) and 8.4(a)-(c).
Immediately following the final disciplinary hearing on June 13, 1996, at which respondent did not appear, the panel entered an Interim Order of Suspension. In its final Order of Suspension and Restitution, the panel also directed that respondent make restitution to the bank which financed the retail installment contract, in the amount of $5,380.98. Costs were assessed in the amount of $630.62.
Respondent filed a petition for review and stay of discipline. The petition for stay was denied. The petition for review was dismissed for respondent's failure to file a required brief.