NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION WITH CONDITIONS
Case No. 23-44-GA
Notice Issued: February 23, 2024
Daniel J. Andoni, P 67098, Flint, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Genesee County Hearing Panel #2.
Suspension - 179 Days, Effective February 23, 2024
Based on respondent’s default and evidence presented to the hearing panel at hearings held in this matter in accordance with MCR 9.115, the hearing panel found that respondent committed professional misconduct during his representation of two separate clients in their child support and visitation matters, another client in a family court matter, and when he failed to timely answer two requests for investigation, and as set forth in a four count formal complaint filed by the Grievance Administrator.
The panel found that respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to the lawyer, in violation of MRPC 1.1(c) [Counts One & Two]; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client, in violation of MRPC 1.3 [Counts One & Two]; failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and comply promptly with reasonable requests for information, in violation of MRPC 1.4(a) [Counts One, Two & Three]; charged an excessive fee, in violation of MRPC 1.5 [Counts One & Two]; failed to take reasonable steps to protect a client’s interests upon termination of representation, such as giving reasonable notice to the client, surrendering papers and property to which the client is entitled, and refunding any advance payment of fee that has not been earned, in violation of MRPC 1.16(d) [Counts One, Two and Three]; engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or violation of the criminal law, where such conduct reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer, in violation of MRPC 8.4(b) [Count Two]; engaged in conduct prejudicial to the proper administration of justice, in violation of MRPC 8.4(c) and MCR 9.104(1) [Counts One, Two, Three & Four]; engaged in conduct that exposes the legal profession or the courts to obloquy, contempt, censure, or reproach, in violation of MCR 9.104(2) [Counts One, Two, Three & Four]; engaged in conduct that is contrary to justice, ethics, honesty, or good morals, in violation of MCR 9.104(3) [Counts One, Two, Three, & Four]; and failed to knowingly answer a request for investigation or demand for information in conformity with MCR 9.113(A)‑(B)(2), in violation of MCR 9.104(7) and MRPC 8.1(a)(2) [Count Four].
The panel ordered that respondent’s license to practice law be suspended for a period of 179 days; that he pay restitution in the total amount of $3,500.00; and that he be subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct. Costs were assessed in the amount of $1,845.47.