NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case No. 91-234-GA James A. Tucker, P-21608, Detroit, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board affirming a hearing panel order of suspension.
1) Suspension - thirty (30) days; 2) Effective June 18, 1994. Respondent was retained to represent a widow in the probate of the estate of her deceased husband. Tri-County Hearing Panel #8 found that respondent knowingly made false statements in his answer to the Request for Investigation regarding the location of estate assets; knowingly made false statements to the State Bar of Michigan Client Protection Fund regarding the location of estate assets; failed to timely administer and close the estate; delayed in paying the inheritance taxes on the estate; failed to appear for a court hearing; and failed to respond to his client's inquiries or to keep her informed concerning the status of the estate.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104(1)-(4); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4(a)and(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
On August 13, 1993, the panel entered its order of suspension for a period of thirty days. Respondent filed a petition for review. In an order issued December 7, 1993, the Attorney Discipline Board affirmed the hearing panel order of suspension. Respondent filed an application for leave to appeal, which was denied by the Michigan Supreme Court on May 27, 1994.
Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,138.68.