NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 92-19-GA; 92-48-FA Craig V. Matte, P34783, Mount Clemens, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Tri-County Hearing Panel #104.
1) Suspension - one (1) year; 2) Effective May 6, 1992. The respondent failed to answer the formal complaint and failed to appear at the hearing held in Mount Clemens on March 20, 1992. Respondent's default was entered and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of Formal Complaint 92-19-GA. Formal Complaint 92-48-FA was dismissed.
Respondent was retained in a divorce matter, but failed to appear for a pretrial conference, causing the divorce case to be dismissed; failed to advise his client of the dismissal; failed to respond to his client's inquiries concerning the status of the divorce; failed to refund the unearned fee; and failed to timely release his client's file.
Respondent was retained in a civil matter, but failed to depose the plaintiff/counter-defendant; failed to interview witnesses; failed to adequately prepare for the case; and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent was retained in another divorce matter, but failed to respond to his client's telephone calls and written correspondence; failed to keep his client informed concerning the status of the divorce; and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104 (1-4); MCR 9.113(A); MCR 9.113(B)(2); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.16(d); 3.2; 8.1(b); 8.4(a,c). The panel ordered respondent to make restitution to the two divorce clients in the total amount of $2350.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $199.74.