Opinion ID: 2533241
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The McGinnis Matter

Text: The following facts are not in dispute, having been stipulated to by the parties: In 1998, John McGinnis was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to serve forty-five years at hard labor. In 2001, Mr. McGinnis retained respondent to review his file in exchange for a fee. In February 2002, Mr. McGinnis retained respondent to file an application for post-conviction relief. In December 2004, after the expiration of the statutory deadline, respondent filed an application for post-conviction relief on behalf of Mr. McGinnis. The trial court rejected the application as untimely. Respondent applied for writs to the court of appeal, which affirmed the trial court's ruling. The parties stipulated respondent violated Rules 1.3 (failure to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client) and 1.4 (failure to communicate with a client) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.