On Friday, July 14, 2023, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board issued a 181-day suspension against attorney Donald J. Neville. The suspension, which is effective as of July 7, 2023, comes after Neville was convicted of impaired driving and faced an eight-count formal complaint alleging misconduct in six client matters.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Donald J. Neville,” and was bought by the Grievance Administrator with case nos. 23-22-JC; 23-23-GA.
The charges cited Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a), 1.1(b), 1.1(c), 1.2(a), 1.3, 1.4(a), 1.4(b), 1.5(a) and (b), 1.7(b)(2), 1.15(B)(3), 1.16(a)(2), 1.16(d), 3.2, 3.3(a)(1), 3.5(d), 8.1(a)(1), 8.1(a)(2), 8.4(a), 8.4(b), 8.4(c), 8.4(d) and Michigan Court Rules 9.104(1), 9.104(2), and 9.104(3).
The Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.
According to the discipline order, Neville was convicted of misdemeanor impaired driving which violated the rules of professional conduct. The formal complaint against Neville alleged numerous violations including lack of competence, lack of diligence, failure to communicate with clients, charging excessive fees, conflicts of interest, failure to refund unearned fees, false statements to the court and in disciplinary proceedings, failure to respond to disciplinary authorities, dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, and statements implying the ability to improperly influence a judge.
The filing states:
“The Grievance Administrator filed a combined Notice of Filing of Judgment of Conviction and an eight-count formal complaint against respondent. The notice, filed in accordance with MCR 9.120(B)(3), stated that the respondent was convicted of the misdemeanor offense of impaired driving. The eight-count formal complaint alleged that the respondent committed professional misconduct during his representation of six separate clients when he attended two separate court appearances, and when he failed to respond to a subpoena issued by the Grievance Administrator.”
The hearing panel found that by failing to answer the formal complaint, Neville was in default and had committed all the alleged violations. The panel suspended Neville’s license for 181 days and imposed relevant conditions on his practice. He was also ordered to pay restitution totaling over $8,000 to harmed clients.
While costs were not yet assessed against Neville, the Attorney Discipline Board noted that the Grievance Administrator has filed a petition for review of the panel’s decision, so the matter will be heard by the full Board soon. This could potentially lead to an increase in the length of Neville’s suspension or other additional sanctions.
Mr, Neville practices in Howell, Michigan. He is licensed in Michigan. His info can be found in Avvo.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
