NOTICE OF INCREASED SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case No. 94-125-GA Perry T. Christy, P-11874, Dearborn, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board increasing Tri-County Hearing Panel #31's Order of Suspension for 160 days.
1) Suspension - one (1) year; 2) Effective July 27, 1995. Respondent was retained to institute civil litigation on a company's behalf. The panel found, by a preponderance of the evidence, that respondent neglected the matter; failed to inform his client of the dismissal of the litigation; failed to refund unearned fees upon demand; knowingly made false statements to his client; and knowingly made false statements in his answer to the Request for Investigation. Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4)and(6); MCR 9.113(A); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(a)- (c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4; 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(a); and 8.4(a)- (c). The panel ordered that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for 160 days and make restitution in the amount of $403.29.
The Grievance Administrator filed a petition for review. Respondent filed a delayed petition for review and request for stay of discipline. The Board denied the request for stay. On January 18, 1996, the Board entered an Order Increasing Discipline to a suspension of one year effective July 27, 1995, and affirming and modifying restitution. Respondent filed a delayed application for leave to appeal, which was denied by the Michigan Supreme Court in an order entered November 22, 1996.
Costs were assessed in the total amount of $931.04. NOTE: Respondent has been continuously suspended from the practice of law in Michigan since February 3, 1995, as the result of an automatic suspension pursuant to MCR 9.128 for non-payment of costs in a prior disciplinary matter.