Opinion ID: 1939082
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Angela Daley

Text: Daley, a resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was charged with violation of § 21-902 of the Transportation Article, Maryland Code (1988 Repl.Vol., 1989 Cum.Supp.) (driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol), and with a related offense. She was to appear for trial in the District Court of Maryland sitting in Frederick County at 9:00 a.m. on 4 December 1986. On 30 October 1986 Daley met with Ficker in his office. She retained him to represent her and paid $200 on account of his $599 fee. Ficker agreed to appear on the 4 December trial date. But he failed to enter the trial date on his desk calendar. He also failed to enter his appearance in the District Court as required by Md. Rule 4-214(a). [3] On 4 December Daley travelled from her Pennsylvania residence to Frederick and awaited the docket call in District Court. Ficker never appeared. He later explained that he had simply forgotten about his commitment to be there on Daley's behalf. No one attempted to contact Ficker. Daley's case was continued until the afternoon, at which time she pleaded guilty, was fined $250, and placed on probation before judgment. That disposition, the AGC and Ficker agree, was reasonable under the circumstances. The next day Daley phoned Ficker and told him what had occurred. He apologized and immediately refunded the $200 retainer.