On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Administrator of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission filed a complaint against attorney David Michael Dolendi, alleging multiple violations of professional conduct stemming from a criminal conviction. Dolendi was charged with misconduct following his guilty plea to felony possession of methamphetamine.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of David Michael Dolendi,” with case no. 2025PR00050.
The complaint outlines a series of incidents leading to Dolendi’s legal troubles. According to the documentation, Dolendi was stopped by police on October 17, 2022, after officers observed his vehicle swerving and failing to signal. Upon investigation, law enforcement discovered a white powdery substance in his car, along with paraphernalia, including glass pipes and a digital scale.
Following his arrest, Dolendi admitted to the police that the substance in question was methamphetamine and that it belonged to him. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of the drug. He faced charges including possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, leading to his release on a recognizance bond with a scheduled court appearance.
On April 19, 2023, Dolendi pleaded guilty to the felony criminal offense of possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 24 months of supervision, mandated to complete 30 hours of community service, and required to undergo substance abuse treatment. He was also ordered to pay fines and court costs totaling $2,315.
In connection with his legal issues, an investigation was initiated by the Commission on October 22, 2022, concerning Dolendi’s conduct related to the arrest. As part of a resolution agreement, Dolendi executed an affidavit admitting to violating Rule 8.4(b) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct by engaging in criminal activity. He agreed to several conditions aimed at monitoring his recovery, including abstaining from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs, attending treatment sessions, and participating in a 12-step program.
The Commission deferred prosecution for 18 months, contingent on Dolendi’s compliance with the outlined conditions. However, the complaint states that Dolendi failed to meet several reporting requirements, including the timely submission of quarterly progress reports, which were due on May 13, 2024. Although he submitted a report on July 15, 2024, he failed to provide any subsequent reports.
Between July and December 2024, Dolendi did not contact his Commission probation officer. On December 8, 2024, he reported that he was undergoing inpatient mental health treatment, but he was reminded of his obligations to submit the required reports.
Further attempts to communicate with Dolendi regarding his compliance yielded no response. He informed the probation officer on January 21, 2025, about an upcoming court appearance related to his criminal probation violations. On January 24, 2025, he was reminded again of the need to complete substance testing, but he expressed concerns about the associated costs.
Dolendi’s supervision was ultimately terminated unsatisfactorily by the court on March 6, 2025, due to his non-compliance with conditions. This led to the filing of the complaint by the Administrator, which details Dolendi’s failure to respond to lawful demands for information and his criminal conduct, both of which violate the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct.
The complaint seeks to have the matter assigned to a panel of the Hearing Board for a formal hearing, where findings of fact and conclusions of law will be made. The Administrator has requested that appropriate disciplinary measures be taken against Dolendi in light of his actions.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Dolendi is an insurance attorney in Chicago, Illinois. He acquired his law license in Illinois in 2002.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
