NOTICE OF SUSPENSION (By Consent)
Case No. 93-54-GA Joel M. Margolis, P-36288, Royal Oak and Detroit, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #31.
1) Suspension - 119 days; 2) Effective January 11, 1994. The respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a stipulation for consent order of discipline pursuant to MCR 9.115(F)(5), which was approved by the hearing panel and the Attorney Grievance Commission.
Respondent was appointed to substitute in as appellate counsel in a criminal matter. He pled nolo contendere to allegations that, although he sent his client a letter notifying him of his appointment, he failed to respondent to his client's inquiries, failed to visit his client in prison, and failed to consult with him regarding the appeal and to keep him advised concerning the status of the matter; failed to ascertain whether his client wanted any supplemental pleadings filed on his behalf and/or assist his client in filing same in pro per; and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent's conduct was alleged to be in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4)and(7); MCR 9.113(A)and(B)(2); the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(a)-(c); 1.3; 1.4; 3.2; 3.4(c); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)and(c); and the Minimum Standards for Indigent Criminal Appellate Defense Services, Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1981-7(3), (11) and (17).
Costs were assessed in the amount of $77.78.