NOTICE OF REVOCATION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 94-29-GA; 94-47-FA; 94-31-GA; 94-32-GA; 94-52-FA
Christopher Grierson, P-39026, Saginaw, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Bay County Hearing Panel.
1) Revocation; 2) Effective June 4, 1994. Respondent failed to answer the Formal Complaints and failed to appear at the hearing held in Bay City on April 8, 1994. Respondent's defaults were entered, and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of the Formal Complaints.
Respondent was appointed to represent a defendant in criminal proceedings, and was retained by that defendant to assist him in having his impounded car returned to him. Respondent failed to timely file a petition on his client's behalf for the Holmes Youthful Training Program; advised his client that he received only two years probation, failing to advise his client that his sentencing included a prison sentence; moved his office and failed to notify his client of his change in business address; failed to take any action on his client's behalf to have his car returned; failed to refund the $170 his client paid toward the $500 fee he requested to assist his client in having his automobile returned; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained to commence a slander action, but failed to take any action on his client's behalf; failed to advise his client that he would not be taking any action on his behalf; failed to adequately communicate with his client; falsely advised his client that he filed a complaint on his behalf; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained by the defendants in a civil matter, and agreed to file a counter-claim on their behalf, but failed to take any action on his clients' behalf, resulting in a default judgment being entered in the amount of $6200.48; failed to file a motion to set aside default as promised; failed to appear at a creditor's examination on his clients' behalf as promised; failed to keep his clients advised of the status of their matter and failed to return many of their numerous telephone calls; and knowingly made false statement to his clients.
Respondent was retained to represent a defendant on charges of driving while license suspended, second offense, but failed to appear at trial; failed to appear at sentencing; failed to appear on an Order to Show Cause against him; failed to pay $200 in costs
assessed for his failure to appear; and failed to adequately communicate with his client or keep his client reasonably informed.
Respondent was retained to represent a defendant on charges of operating under intoxicating liquors, but failed to appear for sentencing; failed to pay $100 in costs assessed for his failure to appear; failed to appear for a contempt of court hearing regarding his failure to pay costs; failed to adequately communicate with his client or keep his client adequately informed; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained to represent the defendant in a divorce action, and requested and received a $250 fee, but failed to provide his client with a copy of the judgment of divorce despite several requests by his client and her father; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation. Respondent failed to answer a separate, unrelated Request for Investigation.
Respondent was retained to assist a client in resolving debts with his creditors, and was paid a $750 fee, but failed to take any action on his client's behalf; failed to adequately communicate with his client; knowingly made false statements to his client; failed to refund the unearned fee; and failed to answer the Request for Investigation.
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; 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 3.4(c); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The panel order that respondent's license be revoked and that he make restitution to three of his clients in the total amount of $978. Costs were assessed in the amount of $241.44.
NOTE: Respondent's license to practice law in Michigan has been suspended continuously since September 25, 1993.