NAUGHTY LAWYERS >

The counties include: Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, St. Joseph and Van Buren. 

The information, a matter of public record, was taken from issues of the Michigan Bar Journal and the files of the Attorney Discipline Board. To the best of our knowledge, the information is correct as of November 1997. This list does not include attorneys whose cases are still pending before the Attorney Discipline Board. 

The city listed with each attorney represents the Attorney Discipline Board’s most recent address on file at the time of discipline. 

The Attorney Discipline Board is not a court of law and its decisions only affect the status of an attorney's license and his or her ability to practice law legally in Michigan. 

To find out if an attorney has had a disciplinary action taken against him or her, call the Attorney Discipline Board at (313) 963-5553. 

To file a complaint against an attorney, call the Attorney Grievance Commission at (313) 961-6585. 

The telephone number for the State Bar Association's Legal Referral Service is (800) 968-0738. 

Attorney	License #	City	Action	Summary
Anderson, Charles A.	P30898	Kalamazoo	Reprimand and $3,000 restitution, effective August 3, 1993.	Failed to advise his clients of the dismissal of a slip and fall accident case. Failed to advise his clients they had 15 days to amend their complaint. Failed to respond to clients' inquiries.
Anderson, Robert E.	P45065	Albion	License suspended 120 days, effective August 12, 1997.	Represented three of four co-defendants in a criminal case. Failed to disclose a conflict of interest after learning one of his clients intended to blame his co-defendants.
Balgooyen, Jeffrey J.	P30357	Grand Rapids	License reinstated with two years probation, effective December 19, 1994. Had been automatically suspended for 30 months effective September 13, 1991, upon felony conviction.	License suspended for 30 months for 28 counts of client neglect, 8 counts of failure to refund unearned fees. Numerous failings to respond to investigators. Convicted of attempted possession with intent to deliver cocaine, 17th Circuit Court, September 13, 1991.
Barton, Edward R.	P10514	Allegan	License suspended three years, effective January 4, 1989. Order dated February 1, 1990.	Convicted in federal court of corruptly influencing and impeding an officer and court of the U.S., obstruction of justice/perjury, corruptly influencing and impeding members of a grand jury, and obstruction of justice/grand jury investigation.
Barton, Edward R.	P10514	Allegan	License suspended three years, effective December 7, 1995.	Misappropriated more than $3,600 in two bankruptcy cases.
Beason,   John R.	P34095	Grand Rapids	Reprimand and $500 restitution, effective December 1, 1993.	Failed to refund the unearned portion of the $500 retainer fee to a defendant who asked for a legal opinion regarding his conviction.
Beason,   John R.	P34095	Grand Rapids	Reprimand, effective July 12, 1996.	Undertook the representation of clients with conflicting interests to existing clients, then failed to disclose that conflict of interest to parents seeking damages for the death of their son in an automobile accident. Failed to withdraw from the litigation.
Beers, Lafayette M.	P40650	Grand Rapids	Reprimand, effective November 28, 1990.	Convicted of misdemeanor assault and battery in 61st District Court, June 16, 1989.
Bird, Roger A.	P24800	Sturgis	Reprimand, effective October 14, 1992.	Knew that he and/or his law firm was representing, or had represented the judge presiding over his client's divorce case, and/or the judge's wife in personal and business matters, and failed to disclose this relationship to the opposing party.
Boekeloo, David P.	P40876	Portage	License suspended 120 days, effective October 6, 1993.	Failed to file a lawsuit in a client's insurance claim for approximately 15 months. Failed to keep client informed. Knowingly made false statements to his client and failed to release his client's file upon request.
Borja, Arthur	P45771	Grand Rapids	License suspended 60 days, effective April 30, 1997.	Neglected four clients and failed to answer the formal complaints. In one case, agreed to represent 13 minors in an immigration case, then without notice declined the representation.
Braaksma, William J.	P28003	Portage	License suspension increased to 180 days, effective January 17, 1996.	Collecting for an insurance company as client, agreed to a $1,500 settlement. Misappropriated first payment of $500.
Braaksma, William J.	P28003	Portage	License suspended two years, effective January 21, 1997.	Misappropriated client's $7,500 insurance settlement in a personal injury claim.
Cardinal, Gaylor L.	P34310	Wyoming	Reprimand, effective May 31, 1996.	Failed to file a timely brief in a criminal appeal and failed to keep his client reasonably informed.
Chase,   Carol J.	P31977	Grand Rapids	Reinstated, effective March 29, 1990.	License had been suspended 60 days, effective January 18, 1990.
Chovanec, Stephen J.	P42146	Kalamazoo	License suspended for three years, effective February 20, 1996.	Practiced law while suspended. Neglected a client's collection case while suspended and failed to refund the unearned $200 retainer fee. Failed to answer the formal complaint.
Chovanec, Stephen J.	P42146	Kalamazoo	License revoked, $13,925 restitution plus interest, November 12, 1996.	Practiced law while suspended. Misappropriated $5,350 from deceased client's estate. Obtained three improper loans from client totaling $8,575 and failed to repay the loans. Failed to answer the formal complaints.
Colbeck, J. Richard	P12036	Coldwater	Reprimand, effective December 8, 1993.	Eight counts of failure to timely file appellate briefs and two counts of failure to file appellate briefs in criminal cases.
Cutro,   Joseph	P23767	Paw Paw and Kalamazoo	Reprimand, effective June 5, 1997.	Neglected two criminal matters on appeal.
Dajos, Jr., Benjamin W.	P12448	Coldwater	License suspended 60 days, effective June 8, 1991.	Failed to take numerous actions in three cases. Attorney Discipline Board increased discipline from reprimand to suspension.
Dajos, Jr., Benjamin W.	P12448	Coldwater	License suspended 125 days, effective August 7, 1991. Suspension affirmed, March 13, 1992.	Failed to respond to his client in a collection matter over period of six months. Failed to answer the formal complaint.
Dajos, Jr., Benjamin W.	P12448	Coldwater	License suspended 120 days, effective September 14, 1991. License reinstated, effective November 16, 1992.	Attorney Discipline Board increased discipline, finding he showed "pattern of indifference" by failing to answer the formal complaints and requests for information.
Doerr,   John P.	P12832	Grand Rapids	License revoked, effective February 14, 1994.	Convicted in federal court in Wisconsin on December 31, 1987, of two counts of conspiracy to travel and use facilities in interstate commerce to promote an illegal business involving prostitution, and conspiracy to impede the governmental functions of the IRS.
Drain,   Lewis D.	P12938	San Diego, CA (formerly of Grand Rapids)	License suspended one year, effective December 4, 1989. Order dated October, 1990.	Convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Kent County Circuit Court, December 4, 1989.
Eldridge, Larry S.	P13140	Portage	License suspended 60 days, $176 restitution, effective November 9, 1991.	Failed to prepare and file income tax returns for a client. Failed to prevent a levy against his client. Failed to communicate with the client. Failed to answer the request for investigation.
Ferrer,   Pedro	P37269	Grand Rapids	Reprimand, effective June 1, 1996.	Neglected a wrongful death action.
Freeberg, Edward R.	P27629	Kalamazoo	License suspended 30 days, effective July 30, 1996. Reinstated, September 30, 1996.	Failed to answer a request for investigation by the Attorney Grievance Commission.
Goodwillie, Jr.,   Donald M.	P14182	Kalamazoo	License suspended 120 days, effective February 4, 1994.	Convicted in federal court on August 4, 1993, of wilful failure to file an income tax return.
Harley, Jr., Robert L.	P30166	Comstock Park	Reprimand, effective March 2, 1995.	Failed to render a legal opinion and file a lien on behalf of a condominium association. Failed to refund the unearned $500 retainer fee.
Heath, Richard J.	P26243	Grand Rapids	License revoked, effective September 13, 1995.	Convicted of receiving and concealing a stolen firearm, a felony, in Kent County Circuit Court.
Heshelman, Jeanne M.	P35525	Marshall	License suspended 181 days, $400 restitution, effective February 7, 1994.	Failed to take action in a divorce case; failed to respond to her client; and failed to answer the Attorney Grievance Commission's request for investigation.
Heshelman, Jeanne M.	P35525	Marshall	License suspended 180 days, effective June 12, 1996.	Presented herself as an attorney while suspended. Failed to answer the formal complaints.
Hills,   James D.	P14978	Portage	License suspended 30 days, $300 restitution, effective May 12, 1990. Reinstated, August 20, 1990.	Accepted a $300 legal fee while his license was suspended and failed to answer the Attorney Grievance Commission's request for investigation.
Holst,   Richard C.	P26110	Wyoming	Reprimand, effective October 17, 1997.	Represented a client despite the material limitation placed upon that representation by his own personal interests, and his ongoing personal and professional ties to two other clients.
Jereck,   John M.	P15495	Battle Creek	Probation, effective September 14, 1995, through November 16, 1996.	Failed to deposit the unearned portion of retainer fees into a client trust account in three unrelated cases. Admitted he purchased crack cocaine and possessed a soda pop bottle which had been altered for use as a crack cocaine pipe.
Johnson, John Allen	P31442	Grand Rapids and Marquette	Transfer to inactive status, effective November 2, 1992.	Transfer to inactive status for not less than one year under the provisions of Michigan Court Rules 9.121(B), Allegations of Incompetency or Incapacity, because of mental or physical infirmity or disability or because of addiction to drugs or intoxicants.
Kelly,   Mary K.	P40339	Grand Rapids	Automatic interim suspension, effective September 3, 1997.	Convicted of possession of less than 25 grams of cocaine, Ingham County  Circuit Court.
Keltz,   Marshall	P15856	Battle Creek, and Chicago, IL	License revoked, $1,000 restitution plus interest, effective April 23, 1997.	Neglected a client, abandoned the representation, but kept the $1,000 fee. Failed to answer the formal complaints.
Kleidon,   Kevin R.	P27928	Centreville	Reprimand and $2,000 restitution, ordered to perform 200 hours of pro bono work, effective February 25, 1992.	Failed to take numerous actions for an Illinois attorney in a fee collection matter. Made false statements to his client and in his answer to the Attorney Grievance Commission's request for investigation.
Krupp, George T.	P16269	Grand Rapids	Reprimand, effective March 7, 1997.	Engaged in harassing and intimidating conduct toward the plaintiff's wife and engaged in rude, discourteous and threatening conduct toward her attorney in a divorce case.
Lait,   James J.	P37802	Kalamazoo	Reprimand, effective February 21, 1995.	Failed to answer a request for investigation by the Attorney Grievance Commission.
Lait,   James J.	P37802	Kalamazoo	License suspended 180 days, effective July 18, 1995.	Failed to appeal an order terminating the parental rights of his incarcerated client. Failed to interview or advise his client adequately. Failed numerous times to respond to Attorney Grievance Commission requests or to answer the formal complaint.
Lait,   James J.	P37802	Kalamazoo	License suspended two years, effective March 9, 1996.	Neglected a defendant's criminal matter in Circuit Court. Failed to answer the formal complaint.
Lait,   James J.	P37802	Kalamazoo	License suspended 90 days, effective March 9, 1998.	Failed to inform hospital client that he received a total of $374.02 in two collection payments. Failed to appear in District Court to explain why he failed to deliver the payments. Failed to answer the formal complaints.
Lait,   James J.	P37802	Kalamazoo	License revoked, effective November 13, 1997.	Neglected a client's criminal case. Failed to appear at client's arraignment, failed to keep his client advised and abandoned the representation. Failed to answer the formal complaint.
Lambright, Donald L.	P27187	Quincy	License suspended 119 days,  effective December 28, 1990.	Failed to make a full disclosure about his financial status when  borrowing $164,000 from a client. Failed to advise client to consult another attorney or financial consultant on the wisdom of making the loan. Failed to provide his client with appropriate security for repayment but did repay the loan.
Lepley, James A.	P31744	Burr Oak	License suspended 120 days, effective April 12, 1991.	Filed a false complaint against two attorneys. Filed a false civil action against a circuit court judge, the Judicial Tenure Commission, and its executive director.
Lewis, Jr., Alphonse	P16624	Grand Rapids	License suspended 180 days, effective October 22, 1990. License reinstated, effective May 1, 1992.	Misappropriated $10,488 of his client's workers compensation settlement. Failed to pay another client $6,000 from a legal malpractice settlement.
MacDonald, Marcia A.	P32940	Grandville	License suspended two years, $1,630 restitution, effective July 24, 1990.	Failed to take action for seven clients, failed to respond to her client's inquiries, made false statements to one of her divorce clients, abandoned client's action without notice, failed to refund her clients' unused retainer fees and failed to answer eight requests for investigation by the Attorney Grievance Commission.
MacDonald, Marcia A.	P32940	Grandville	License suspended three years, $1,000 restitution, effective December 7, 1990.	Failed to file any supplemental pleadings on her client's behalf in a criminal appeal. Failed to refund the unearned retainer fee and failed to answer the request for investigation.
MacDonald, Marcia A.	P32940	Grandville	License revoked, effective November 6, 1991.	Violated order of suspension. Failed to make restitution, failed to file affidavits of compliance and failed to pay costs assessed against her. Failed to answer the formal complaint.
Mazur, Edmond S.	P38641	Kalamazoo	License suspended two years, effective November 7, 1995.	Assisted in fraudulently obtaining the return of $21,870 in funds seized from alleged drug traffickers in Colorado. Counseled and/or assisted in devising a scheme that the money represented legitimate proceeds from an insurance settlement, with knowledge that the money represented profits gained from narcotic trafficking. Signed a statement as a notary public he knew to be false.
McBride, Stephen A.	P44753	Sturgis	License suspended three years, $2,259 restitution, effective March 11, 1994.	Failed to take numerous actions in three divorce cases. Failed to refund the unearned $200 fee in one case. Appeared impaired or intoxicated on a criminal defendant's date set for trial and was unprepared to conduct a defense. Failed to respond to the Attorney Grievance Commission's requests for investigation.
McBride, Stephen A.	P44753	Sturgis	License revoked, $555 restitution, effective May 17, 1994.	Failed to take action in two cases and failed to refund the unearned fees. Failed to advise his clients. Failed to answer the request for investigation.
McBride, Stephen A.	P44753	Sturgis	License revoked, $275 restitution, effective August 1, 1995.	Failed to take action to modify a divorce judgment or to discover client's ex-husband's assets; failed to refund the $250 retainer fee and failed to answer the formal complaints.
Meeks,   John E.	P17583	Grand Rapids	License suspended three years, $1,181 restitution, effective May 6, 1997.	Neglected five divorce cases, failed to return $1,520 in unearned fees and failed to answer formal complaints.
Meeks,   John E.	P17583	Grand Rapids	License revoked, $1,755 restitution, effective October 3, 1997.	Neglected five divorce cases and a criminal matter. Failed to refund unearned fees and failed to answer the requests for investigation.
Meeks,   John E.	P17583	Grand Rapids	License revoked, $475 restitution, effective November 13, 1997.	Neglected a divorce case, failed to return $475 in unearned fees and failed to answer the formal complaint.
Miller,   James R.	P35683	Wyoming	Reprimand, effective August 18, 1994.	Filed suit against a former client when he should have avoided even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
Mirque, Robert F.	P23816	Grand Rapids	Reprimand, effective May 27, 1992.	Failed to advise his client of any conflicts of interest by taking over payments and possession of a criminal defendant's car after she was sentenced to three years in prison. Failed to advise client to consult another attorney, advisor, or lending institution on wisdom of the transaction.
Mirque, Robert F.	P23816	Grand Rapids	Reprimand, effective August 18, 1992.	Failed to distribute to one of the heirs of an estate her share of silver coins. Applied proceeds from the sale of the coins to his client's attorney fees, and gave the balance of the proceeds to his client, although she had no legal right to the funds.
Morgan, Andrew D.	P46245	Grand Rapids	License revoked, $1,547 restitution, effective March 22, 1996.	Multiple counts of neglect, failure to refund unearned fees, abandonment of his law practice and failure to answer the Attorney Grievance Commission's requests for investigation or formal complaints.
Morgan, Andrew D.	P46245	Grand Rapids	License revoked, $857 restitution, effective July 30, 1996.	Abandoned the representation of two divorce cases, and one child custody matter without notifying clients. Failed to answer all three requests for investigation by the Attorney Grievance Commission and failed to answer both formal complaints.
Morgan, Andrew D.	P46245	Grand Rapids	License revoked, $2,938 restitution among 8 clients, effective August 12, 1996.	Repeated instances of client neglect and abandonment. Failure to refund unearned fees. Violation of an order of suspension in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Napieralski, William J.	P28086	Grand Rapids	Reprimand, effective August 16, 1991.	Gave legal representation including tax law advice to certain clients from 1978 to 1989. Served as president of business in 1986-87 for which clients invested and loaned $50,000; clients lost money on partnership when corporation defaulted on loans. Failed to fully perform on loan guarantee. Failed to disclose any conflicts of interest, failed to fully disclose to clients financial circumstances and to take action to protect clients' investments and loans.
Norris, Reginald L.	P18342	Grand Rapids	License revoked, effective April 13, 1992.	Practiced law while his license was suspended.
Nurrie,   Jerry L.	P18365	Kalamazoo	License revoked, $5,000 restitution, effective April 25, 1991.	Misappropriated $11,856 of an heir's share of proceeds from the sale of real property. Failed to answer two requests for investigation by the Attorney Grievance Commission.
Owens, James J.	P33843	Grand Rapids	Reprimand and one year probation, effective February 9, 1993.	Failed to take action in 26 criminal appeals cases. Failed to communicate with clients and Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System.
Page, Kelly R.	P24787	Paw Paw	Reprimand, effective April 25, 1997.	Failed to file a timely answer to a request for investigation by the Attorney Grievance Commission.
Qua, John C.	P19148	Chicago, IL (formerly of Battle Creek)	Reprimand, effective September 20, 1995.	Filed an answer on behalf of a defendant while on inactive status to practice law in Michigan.
Rondeau, Russell L.	P29145	Holland	Reprimand and two years probation, effective January 31, 1996.	Convicted twice of operating while impaired and twice of operating under the influence of liquor/unlawful blood alcohol level.
Sauer, Jr., Frederick A.	P19906	Kalamazoo	License suspended 30 days, effective October 8, 1992. Reinstated effective November 18, 1992.	Instituted legal proceedings in his own name while his license to practice law was suspended, and obtained and served subpoenas attempting to collect accounts receivable after the cases were dismissed.
Sawyer, Stephen R.	P24366	Grand Rapids	License suspended 30 days, effective February 5, 1993. Reinstated March 10, 1993.	Plea of nolo contendere to retail fraud 2nd degree, a misdemeanor, in District Court on August 13, 1992.
Searer,   Chris T.	P46471	Grand Haven	Reprimand, effective July 1, 1997.	Disciplined in federal court for communicating with a represented party about the subject prosecution without the consent of the party's attorney.
Smith, E. Craig	P39666	Grand Rapids	License suspended 60 days, effective November 4, 1994. Two years probation effective upon reinstatement, effective January 5, 1995.	Failed to take numerous actions in two criminal appeals cases.
Smith, E. Craig	P36966	Grand Rapids	Probation revoked. License suspended 180 days, effective January 10, 1997.	Violated the order of suspension and probation by failing to answer the Attorney Grievance Commission's request for information and formal complaints.
Stevens, Richard G.	P21008	Battle Creek	Reprimand, effective February 12, 1992.	Failed to take action in a criminal misdemeanor appeal.
Tovey, R. Michael	P32189	Grand Rapids	License suspended two years, $13,605 restitution, effective February 7, 1990.	Misappropriated his client's $13,605 share of the amount recovered from a personal injury action. Affixed client's signature to drafts without her knowledge or consent.
Tovey, R. Michael	P32189	Grand Rapids	License revoked, $975 restitution, effective December 24, 1991.	Misappropriated land contract funds he agreed to collect for his client. Made false statements to his client to conceal the misappropriation. Failed to answer the request for investigation.
Tubergen, Ben D.	P31396	Hudsonville	License suspended 120 days, effective March 10, 1993.	Failed to prepare and file any documents or papers in an adoption case, after being retained to do so. Failed to inform his client he was withdrawing from the representation, and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Tubergen, Ben D.	P31396	Hudsonville	License suspended for two years, effective January 18, 1994.	Failed to institute any proceedings on behalf of three clients in a land contract forfeiture. Failed to respond to inquiries of his clients and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Tubergen, Ben D.	P31396	Hudsonville	License revoked, effective May 3, 1994.	Continued to represent a client in a divorce case after he had been suspended from the practice of law. Failed to answer the request for investigation.
Underhill, Jr., Adna H.	P43136	Grand Rapids	Reprimand and two years probation, effective December 5, 1995.	Convicted of promoting sexual immorality and possession of more than one ounce of marijuana in Colorado.
Van Meter, Thomas L.	P31457	Grand Rapids	License suspended 30 months, $500 restitution plus interest, effective January 29, 1996.	Failed to institute probate proceedings; failed to refund the unearned $500 fee upon demand, and failed to answer the formal complaints.
Van Meter, Thomas L.	P31457	Grand Rapids	License suspended 30 months, $6,925 restitution plus interest, effective January 29, 1996.	Neglected two bankruptcy proceedings. Failed to refund an unearned $660 fee upon demand, and in another case, misappropriated $6,000 from client's divorce settlement. Failed to answer the request for investigation and failed to answer the formal complaint.
Van Meter, Thomas L.	P31457	Grand Rapids	License suspended three years, $500 restitution, effective February 14, 1997.	Neglected a client's probate case and failed to refund the unearned $500. Failed to answer the request for investigation and failed to answer the formal complaints.
VanOosten, James Dirk	P29232	West Branch, Rose City and Grand Rapids	Probation for two years, effective February 22, 1994.	Pleaded no contest to allegations he illegally purchased Valium and operated a vehicle while visibly impaired due to his consumption of alcohol.
Van Orden, Richard M.	P21766	Grand Rapids	License suspended 30 days, effective December 1, 1994. Reinstated August 8, 1996.	Failed to answer one request for investigation and failed to timely answer another request for investigation from the Attorney Grievance Commission.
Van Orden, Richard M.	P21766	Grand Rapids	License suspended 30 days, February 1, 1997. Reinstated March 4, 1997.	Failed to comply with the procedure required for nonrefundable retainers; and failed to answer the request for investigation.
Ward,   Ronald R.	P29707	Hartford	License suspended 180 days, effective April 10, 1990. Reinstated effective November 12, 1992.	Paid $200 retainer to institute adoption proceedings but failed to take any action on behalf of his client, falsely represented to this client that he had instituted proceedings and that the court had entered orders of adoption. Failed to notify his client he had been suspended from the practice of law, and continued to give his client legal advice while suspended.
Werme, Karen E.	P37016	Kalamazoo	License suspended 180 days, effective October 26, 1995.	Failed to promptly obtain proceeds of a settlement for a woman who sued her father for sexual abuse and molestation. Failed to respond to her client's inquiries and failed to answer the formal complaint.
Werme, Karen E.	P37016	Kalamazoo	License suspended one year, effective April 23, 1996.	Neglected a civil action concerning a sexual assault on a college campus. Failed to comply with client's requests for her file. Failed to answer the request for investigation.
Werme, Karen E.	P37016	Kalamazoo	License suspended 18 months, effective April 23, 1997.	Failed to answer a request for investigation and failed to answer the formal complaints.
Whitehead, Kenneth L.	P28346	Newton, Iowa (formerly of Battle Creek)	License suspended two years, effective December 10, 1990.	Pleaded guilty in Calhoun County Circuit Court to possession of less than 25 grams of cocaine, December 10, 1990.
Whitehead, Kenneth L.	P28346	Newton, Iowa (formerly of Battle Creek)	License suspended 150 days, $925 restitution, effective August 16, 1991.	Failed to take numerous actions in two criminal cases and failed to refund the unearned retainer fee in both cases. Failed to answer the formal complaint.
Witkowski, Mark Q.	P33021	Battle Creek	Reprimand and $100 restitution, effective September 18, 1990.	Failed to take numerous actions in an estate case. Paid a late mediation fee in court with a check which was dishonored for insufficient funds.
Yaple, Edward Gerard	P46373	Kalamazoo	License suspended two years, effective May 6, 1997. Suspension affirmed September 4, 1997.	License to practice law in Virginia had been revoked effective December 15, 1995. Had neglected six client matters and failed to refund unearned fees of several clients.