Opinion ID: 2343627
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Complaint of Mitchell Lee Gresham

Text: In October 2003, Mitchell Lee Gresham (hereinafter `Mr. Gresham') retained Respondent to represent him in a criminal matter. Mr. Gresham retained Respondent to file a motion for modification of his sentence and to assist him in obtaining home detention. Mr. Gresham's wife, Felicia Aminah Gresham (hereinafter `Ms. Gresham'), paid Respondent an initial retainer of $3,500. After receipt of the $3,500, Respondent took no action on behalf of Mr. Gresham and did not keep his client informed about the status of his representation. Respondent also did not respond to inquiries made by Mr. and Mrs. Gresham. Based upon Respondent's failure to provide services of any value and to pursue any action advancing the client's interests, the fees accepted and retained by Respondent were unreasonable. Although Respondent stopped all work on Mr. Gresham's matter, he did not take steps to protect Mr. Gresham's interest, such as giving reasonable notice that the representation was terminated and refunding any advance payment of fee that had not been earned. Moreover, Respondent failed to respond to Mr. and Mrs. Gresham's requests for a refund of the $3,500 paid to Respondent. During Bar Counsel's investigation of Mr. Gresham's complaint. Respondent failed to respond to written requests for information. More specifically, Respondent did not respond to letters from the Office of Bar Counsel dated January 8, 2004 and January 28, 2004, requesting his written response to Mr. Gresham's complaint.