Opinion ID: 1768691
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 19

Heading: Count XVIIIThe Howard Matter

Text: Respondent's disbarment in Gibson I became final on December 11, 2000. Nevertheless, on January 22, 2001, respondent accepted $450 from Dianne Howard to represent her son, Dennis Darby, in a criminal matter. Respondent failed to complete the representation and failed to communicate with his client concerning the matter. He also failed to account for any earned portion of the legal fee and failed to refund the unearned portion of the fee. In January 2001, Ms. Howard filed a complaint against respondent with the ODC. On February 5, 2001, the ODC forwarded a copy of the complaint to respondent by certified mail. Respondent failed to reply to the complaint. The ODC thereafter served respondent with a subpoena compelling him to appear and answer the complaint under oath. Respondent failed to appear. The ODC alleges that respondent's conduct in this matter violates the following provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.5(f), 1.16(d), 5.5 (engaging in the unauthorized practice of law), 8.1(c), 8.4(a), and 8.4(g).