NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 90-132-GA; 90-145-FA Timothy A. Wright, P37471, Monroe and Erie, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board affirming a hearing panel order of suspension and restitution.
1) Suspension - one (1) year; 2) Effective May 7, 1991. Respondent failed to answer the formal complaints but appeared at the hearings held in Detroit on September 26, 1990, March 19, 1991, and July 9, 1991. Respondent's default was entered and the panel determined that the default established the allegations of the formal complaint.
Respondent was retained in an adoption matter, but delayed in filing a petition for adoption for two years, failed to prosecute the adoption proceedings, failed to appear for appointments or advise his clients appointments had been cancelled, failed to respond his clients' inquiries, misrepresented the status of the case to his clients, failed to refund the unearned retainer fee, and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent was retained regarding several collection matters, but failed to prosecute the collection matters, failed to respond to his client's inquiries, and failed to release his client's file.
Respondent was retained to represent a client before the American Arbitration Association, but failed to prosecute the arbitration matter, failed to file responsive pleadings, failed to appear for the arbitration hearing, failed to respond to his client's inquiries, failed to release his client's file, and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent was retained to represent an individual in a criminal and related forfeiture matter, but failed to interview or call corroborating witnesses, failed to appear for appointments, failed to respond to interrogatories and requests for production, failed to respond to his client's inquiries and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Respondent's conduct was found to be in violation of MCR 9.104 (1-4,7); MCR 9.113(A); MCR 9.113(B)(2); Canons 1, 6 and 7 of the Code of Professional Responsibility, DR 1-102(A)(1,4-6); DR 6-101 (A)(3); DR 7-101 (A)(1-3); and the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1(c); 1.3; 1.4; 1.5(b); 8.4(a-c). The panel ordered respondent to make restitution in the amount of $50.00. Costs were assessed in the amount of $394.36.