NOTICE OF SUSPENSION Case Nos. 91-182-GA; 91-197-FA; 91-277-GA; 92-5-GA; 92-69-FA; 92-14-JC; 92-230-GA; 92-263-GA
Jeffrey J. Balgooyen, P-30357, Ida, Michigan, by Attorney Discipline Board Kent County Hearing Panel #3.
1) Suspension - thirty (30) months; 2) Effective September 13, 1991. Case No. 91-182-GA The panel found that the following were established by either respondent's admissions or the evidence presented: eighteen counts of neglect of appointed criminal appeals; one count of misrepresen- tation to the Michigan Appellate Appointed Counsel System; three counts of neglect and failure to communicate with clients in civil matters; two counts of failure to refund unearned fees; four counts of failure to timely answer a request for investigation; and six counts of failure to answer a request for investigation.
Case No. 91-197-FA Formal Complaint 91-197-FA was dismissed. Case No. 91-277-GA The panel found that the following were established by respondent's default: four counts of client neglect; four counts of failure to refund unearned fees; and four counts of failure to answer a request for investigation.
Case No. 92-5-GA The panel found that the following were established by respondent's default: one count of client neglect; one count of failure to refund unearned fees; and one count of failure to answer a request for investigation.
Case No. 92-69-FA The panel found, by default, that respondent failed to answer two formal complaints (91-277-GA and 92-5-GA).
Case No. 92-14-JC Respondent pled guilty on September 13, 1991 in the 17th Circuit Court to Attempted Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine in violation of MCL 333.74012A4[A]. His license to
practice law in Michigan was automatically suspended on that date. Case No. 92-230-GA The panel found that the following were established by either respondent's admissions or the evidence presented: two counts of client neglect; one count of failure to refund unearned fees; one count of failure to cooperate with the Attorney Grievance Commission; and one count of failure to answer a request for investigation.
Case No. 92-263-GA The panel found that the following was established by a preponderance of the evidence: one count of failure to notify a client of his automatic suspension from the practice of law, remaining as attorney of record while suspended, and failure to keep his client informed of the status of his matter.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.103(C); MCR 9.104(1)-(4),(7)and(9); MCR 9.113(B)(2); MCR 9.119; MCL 600.916; the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a); 1.15(b); 1.16(d); 3.2; 4.1; 5.5(a); 8.1(b); and 8.4(a)-(c); and Canons 1, 6 and 7 of the then-applicable Code of Professional Responsibility, DR 1-102(A)(1),(5)and(6); DR 6- 101(A)(3); and DR 7-101(A)(1)-(3).
The panel ordered that respondent's license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for thirty months retroactive to September 13, 1991, the date of his felony conviction, subject to additional conditions as allowed by MCR 9.106(2). The panel further ordered that respondent be subject to conditions for a period of two years following his reinstatement to the practice of law.
Costs were assessed in the amount of $2280.15.