Unauthorized Representation To Go

The Illinois Administrator has filed a complaint alleging that an attorney practiced law after being suspended.

The suspension was for six months and until further court order, imposed on May 14,2015.

The charges involved a client charged with leaving an accident scene.

On June 17, 2015, the court conducted a first appearance in case number 15 TR 8241. Lemons told the court that he wanted to obtain an attorney, and the court continued the case to July 15, 2015.

On June 27, 2015, Respondent and Lemons met at Steak-n-Shake restaurant in Peoria. Respondent agreed to represent Lemons in case number 15 TR 8241. Lemons paid Respondent $150 with a check for his services. Respondent requested a total fee of $750.

On July 9, 2015, Respondent attempted to contact the Assistant States Attorney assigned to the case, Melinda Mannlien (“ASA Mannlien”), by telephone. Respondent left her a voicemail message identifying himself as “Raymond Huff,” left his home telephone number, and asked ASA Mannlien to call him back and let him know what the State was recommending for the disposition of Lemons’ case.

 On July 13, 2015, Respondent and Lemons met at a Hardee’s in Bartonville Illinois. During that meeting, Respondent requested that Lemons sign a letter, drafted by Respondent, in Lemons’ name to ASA Mannlien.

On July 13, 2015, Lemons signed the letter prepared by Respondent and mailed it to ASA Mannlien.

At no time did Respondent tell Lemons that he was suspended from the practice of law.

Respondent also told Lemons that he was unable to attend the July 15, 2015 hearing.

At the July 13, 2015 meeting, Lemons signed an agreement to pay Respondent an additional $500 by July 27, 2015.

On July 15, 2015, the court conducted a hearing in case 15 TR 8241. Lemons appeared pro se. The court asked Lemons whether he had retained an attorney. Lemons responded that he had hired Respondent.

Not sure what a client should infer from meetings at Steak-n-Shake and Hardees. (Mike Frisch)