NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 91-174-GA Gary M. Wojnar, P-41179, Bingham Farms, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board increasing a hearing panel order of suspension for ninety days (with conditions).
1) Suspension - 180 days; 2) Effective November 19, 1994. Respondent was retained to represent a defendant in a criminal drug case, including appeal. The panel found that respondent failed to file a claim of appeal on his client's behalf; failed to keep his client informed concerning the status of the matter; and knowingly made false statements to his client by repeatedly advising him that an appeal had been filed.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4)and(6); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; and 8.4(a)-(c). On August 2, 1993, Tri-County Hearing Panel #57 entered an order of suspension for ninety days, with conditions.
The Grievance Administrator and the respondent each filed a petition for review. On December 7, 1993, the Attorney Discipline Board entered an order remanding the matter to the panel for a further hearing on discipline. On July 29, 1994, the panel issued a supplemental report on discipline which affirmed its August 2, 1993 decision. Both parties filed objections to the supplemental report. In an order and opinion issued October 28, 1994, the Attorney Discipline Board increased discipline to a 180-day suspension and eliminated the conditions imposed by the panel.
Respondent filed an application for leave to appeal and motion for stay of discipline, which were both denied by the Michigan Supreme Court on December 28, 1994.
Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,141.53.