I was, of course, disappointed that the Michigan Attorney Grievance
Commission had rejected my complaint. Their website mentioned that there was an appeals process, but
the explanation of that process was vague so I decided to ask them to better explain to me
how it worked. And while I was at it, I also asked them if they would clarify their decision, which
struck me as somewhat ambiguous and if I didn't understand the exact reasons that led them to
dismiss my complaint, I didn't think I'd be able to appeal that dismissal very effectively.
And so, on October 27, 2003, I sent them this letter.
October 27, 2003
Ruthann Stevens
Associate Counsel
State of Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission
Marquette Building
243 W. Congress, Suite 256
Detroit, MI 48226-3259
Dear Ms. Stevens:
I am in receipt of your letter of October 20, in which you notified me that your office will take
no further action on my complaint (file no. 2401/03) against attorney Douglas W. Sprinkle. I am hoping
that you can clarify a couple of issues for me:
I intend to appeal your decision, but the instructions on your website for filing an appeal are
sketchy. I would appreciate it if you would forward to me specific instructions for filing an appeal,
including any appropriate forms.
I am hoping that you can clarify the reason that you decided to take no further action. You
say, "The facts as you have stated in your Request for Investigation do not constitute professional
misconduct." Does this mean that the facts that I have submitted, even if 100% accurate, do not reach
the level of professional misconduct? Does it mean that perhaps my allegations rose to the
level of professional misconduct, but that I failed to convince you of the accuracy of the
facts that I submitted? Or is there an entirely different interpretation that eluded me
altogether? As I'm sure you understand, it will be difficult for me to fashion an appeal to your
decision if I cannot ascertain the reasoning behind it.
As you know, there is a tight deadline for me to file an appeal, so I am feeling more than a little
time pressure. I'm sure that you are very busy, but in light of the situation I am hoping that you can
send me a reply as quickly as possible, preferably by return mail.
Thank you so much for your help.
Henry C. Mishkoff
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