Opinion ID: 1794043
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Count II The Mullinax Matter

Text: In February 2002, Jim Mullinax retained respondent to handle a lemon law claim on his new vehicle. Mr. Mullinax paid respondent $500 toward the agreed $1,000 fee, with the remaining $500 to be paid at the time of filing suit. Upon contacting respondent about the status of his case, Mr. Mullinax was twice advised that respondent mailed a certified letter to the vehicle manufacturer. Mr. Mullinax then asked respondent for a copy of the letter and the certified mail receipt, but he was told that the documents had been lost by the post office. Mr. Mullinax later learned that respondent had not communicated with the vehicle manufacturer as he claimed. In August 2002, Mr. Mullinax filed a disciplinary complaint against respondent. Respondent responded to the complaint and admitted that he had not filed any pleadings or taken any action on Mr. Mullinax's behalf, nor refunded any fees. The ODC alleges that respondent's conduct violates the following provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct: Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.5(f)(6), and 8.4(c) (engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation).