In May 2003, the Investigative Panel of the State Disciplinary Board of the State Bar of Georgia found probable cause to charge respondent John H. Armwood with violation of Rules 1.3, 1.4, and 1.16 of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. Rule 4-212 a, Rules and Regulations of the State Bar of Georgia. The State Bar of Georgia then filed a Formal Complaint alleging Armwood’s conduct violated Rules 1.3 and 1.4.1 While respondent Armwood acknowledged service of the Notice of Probable Cause and the Formal Complaint, his failure to answer resulted in the deemed admission of the facts alleged and violations charged. See Rule 4-102 of the Rules and Regulations of the State Bar of Georgia. The facts as deemed admitted show that Ms. Patsy Blessing hired Armwood in September 2002 to represent her son against misdemeanor charges and paid Armwood $1500. While Armwood visited the jailed client, he did not file an entry of appearance, did not request a preliminary hearing, and did not respond to either Ms. Blessing’s or the client’s repeated requests for information about the case. In December 2002, at the request of the incarcerated client, the county public defender filed an entry of appearance on his behalf. The facts alleged and deemed admitted are sufficient to authorize the conclusion that Armwood violated Rules 1.3 and 1.4.
“A finding of a third . . . disciplinary infraction under these rules shall, in and of itself, constitute discretionary grounds for suspension or disbarment.” Rule 1-403, Rules and Regulations of the State Bar of Georgia. The Review Panel determined Armwood received reprimands from the Investigative Panel in 1996 and in 2002. Accordingly, the Review Panel recommendation of a two-year suspension as a disciplinary sanction is authorized. In addition, we note that Armwood is currently suspended from the practice of law for one year by order of this Court as a result of abandoning a client in June —October 1999. In the Matter of Armwood , 277 Ga. 641 SE2d 2004. We agree with the Review Panel that Armwood’s conduct warrants a two-year suspension. We further agree with the Review Panel’s recommendation that, as a prerequisite to his reinstatement to the practice of law, Armwood be required to reimburse any unrefunded portion of the $1500 charged Ms. Blessing and to submit evidence of his attendance at and successful completion of 12 hours of Law Office Management in an ICLE-approved program. To the extent he has not already complied, Armwood is reminded of his duties under Bar Rule 4-219c.
