Opinion ID: 1689462
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Count I: John Mersch

Text: Sullins agreed to represent John Mersch in his pursuit of a civil and criminal action against the bouncers of a bar with whom Mersch fought. Besides the civil action, Sullins led Mersch to believe Sullins could file criminal charges against the bouncers. Mersch's wife paid Sullins a $500 retainer fee. Sullins did not place this money into a trust account. Sullins never contacted Mersch after the initial contact. After repeated attempts to contact Sullins by telephone, Mersch gave up. Sullins admits he was dilatory in not informing Mersch he could not get criminal charges filed against the bouncers. Based on these facts, the Commission concluded Sullins did neglect Mersch's case in violation of DR 7-101(A) [1] and DR 1-102(A)(1), [2] (5) [3] and (6). [4] The Commission concluded Sullins earned the $500 retainer and as such was under no obligation to return any of it.