Opinion ID: 2219221
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Criminal Cases

Text: In August 1985, respondent agreed to represent David Turner in an appeal of Turner's rape and theft convictions by the circuit court of Cook County. Turner paid respondent a $2,000 fee. Respondent, however, failed to file a brief on Turner's behalf and, on December 20, 1985, the appellate court dismissed Turner's appeal for want of prosecution. On January 21, 1986, respondent successfully motioned the appellate court to vacate its dismissal order and to grant respondent an extension of time to file Turner's brief. Respondent, however, never filed a brief, resulting in Turner's appeal being dismissed a second time for want of prosecution. Respondent never informed his client of this dismissal. In response to Turner's inquiry as to the status of his appeal, the appellate court sent Turner a letter in February 1987 informing him that his appeal had been dismissed on June 12, 1986. These facts form the basis of count VI of the Administrator's complaint. The Administrator submitted documentary evidence to the Hearing Board to support these facts. Milton White was charged by indictment in the circuit court of Cook County with the offense of murder. On January 6, 1986, respondent entered his appearance as White's counsel. After respondent failed to appear on White's behalf on six consecutive occasions, the court appointed the public defender as co-counsel on May 1, 1986. Respondent failed to appear a seventh time. Therefore, the court appointed the public defender as counsel for White on June 13, 1986. These facts form the basis of count XII of the Administrator's complaint. The Administrator submitted documentary evidence to the Hearing Board to support these facts. Louise Jones testified before the Hearing Board that, on March 2, 1984, she consulted with respondent regarding appellate representation for her son, Wynrick Jones. Jones had been convicted of murder in California. Mrs. Jones testified that she initially paid respondent $300 to review her son's trial transcript. Respondent scheduled a conference, told Mrs. Jones it was a good case but that he would have to research California law, and requested a $4,000 retainer. Respondent never informed Mrs. Jones that he was not licensed to practice law in California. On March 29, 1984, Mrs. Jones paid respondent $2,000 with the mutual understanding that respondent would not perform any work on the case unless she could provide the remaining $2,000. Unable to raise the remaining balance of the required retainer, Mrs. Jones requested that respondent refund her $2,000. Respondent never refunded Mrs. Jones' money. These facts form the basis of count XV of the Administrator's complaint.