On Monday, September 16, 2024, the Tri-Valley Hearing Panel #3 issued a notice suspending Michigan attorney Edward M. Czuprynski’s law license for three years and one day.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Edward M. Czuprynski,” with case no. 22-97-GA.
The charges cited Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4(a), 1.15(d), 1.16, 1.16(d), 5.5(a), 7.1(a), 8.1(a)(2), 8.4(a), 8.4(b), and Michigan Court Rules 9.104(2)(3)(4)(9), 9.119(a)(c), 9.119(E)(1), 9.119(E)(2), 9.119(E), and 9.123.
According to the notice, Czuprynski committed multiple violations of professional conduct rules during matters where he met with clients and improperly accepted retainer fees while his license was suspended.
The panel found through no-contest pleas and evidence presented at a hearing that Czuprynski failed to properly communicate with clients, maintain client funds, end representation appropriately, and refund unearned fees on multiple counts. They also determined he illegally practiced law and held himself out as an active attorney on his website after his initial suspension. Further, Czuprynski did not cooperate with the Attorney Grievance Commission’s investigation and violated prior discipline orders.
As a result of these violations of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and Michigan Court Rules, the panel suspended Czuprynski’s law license for over three years. He must also pay $27,650 in restitution to harmed clients. An additional $3,411.98 was assessed for costs. The suspension went into effect on September 12, 2024.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Czuoprynski is a criminal defense attorney in Bay City, Michigan. He acquired his law license in Michigan in 1982.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
