Opinion ID: 1828034
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Counts 12 & 13Tillery Matter

Text: In February 1998, Elizabeth Caffery retained respondent to represent Darrin Tillery in a criminal matter. Ms. Caffery, with the assistance of Mr. Tillery's sister, paid respondent $650 of a $750 fee seeking the immediate release of Mr. Tillery, who had been as incarcerated following his arrest for possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and marijuana. Respondent visited Mr. Tillery on one occasion. Thereafter, he failed to take any further action on behalf of Mr. Tillery, failed to communicate with Mr. Tillery, Mr. Tillery's family or Ms. Caffery and failed to appear in court on Mr. Tillery's behalf. Subsequently, respondent was discharged. After being discharged, he failed to refund the unearned fee. In July 1998, Ms. Caffery filed a complaint with the ODC. The ODC forwarded a copy of the complaint to respondent, but he failed to reply to the ODC's request for information. As a result, the ODC was required to issue a subpoena compelling respondent to appear and produce documents at a scheduled deposition. Respondent neglected to appear. Subsequently, the ODC made two additional formal requests for information from respondent regarding the complaint. He finally responded in February 1999.