NOTICE OF INCREASED SUSPENSION Case Nos. 93-132-GA; 93-168-FA Alvin J. McChester, P-32849, Detroit and Southfield, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board increasing a hearing panel order of suspension for sixty (60) days.
1) Suspension - 180 days; 2) Effective November 4, 1993. Respondent failed to answer the formal complaint and failed to appear at the hearing held in Detroit on September 2, 1993. Respondent's default was entered, and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of the formal complaint.
Respondent was retained to institute bankruptcy proceedings and received a $150 fee, but failed to institute bankruptcy proceedings; failed to respond to inquiries of his client's creditors; and failed to keep his client reasonably informed concerning the status of the matter.
Respondent was retained to commence divorce proceedings, but failed to appear for the divorce hearing; and failed to keep his client reasonably informed concerning the status of the matter. Respondent failed to answer a separate, unrelated 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); MCR 9.113(B)(2); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 3.2; 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)and(c).
The Grievance Administrator filed a petition for review. In an order and opinion issued on February 2, 1994, the Attorney Discipline Board increased discipline to a suspension of 180 days. The Board noted that a suspension requiring reinstatement under MCR 9.123(B) is generally appropriate when an attorney fails to answer or appear at any stage of public disciplinary proceedings.
Costs were assessed in the total amount of $350.41.