Attorney Garrett L. Smith of Mesa was suspended after failing to represent his client in court in a criminal matter.
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Arizona Supreme Court accepted an agreement for discipline by consent between Smith and the State Bar of Arizona that resulted in a 30-day suspension and probation for two years with the Bar’s Law Office Management Assistance Program.
Smith was hired to represent a client in a criminal matter for a flat fee of $6,500. After being retained, he failed to adequately communicate and diligently represent his client. Smith failed to appear for scheduled court hearings and failed to notify his client of the hearings. This led to bench warrants being issued for his client on two separate occasions.
Smith ultimately succeeded in having the bench warrants quashed and refunded his client for the full amount paid for representation.
Garrett L. Smith’s 30-day suspension was effective on April 17, 2017. He was ordered to pay $600 to the State Bar of Arizona for costs and expenses incurred during all proceedings.