Dearborn Attorney Robert M. Craig Suspended 180 Days Following Felony OWI Conviction

Discipline Summary

Robert M. Craig (P35139), an attorney based in Dearborn, Michigan, has been suspended from the practice of law for 180 days, effective retroactively to October 15, 2024. The suspension follows Craig’s convictions for operating while intoxicated — third offense, and for operating a vehicle without a license on his person.

Underlying Conduct

The disciplinary action stems from a felony conviction in State of Michigan v. Robert Michael Craig, Wayne County Circuit Court Case No. 24-003774-01-FH. Craig entered a guilty plea to Operating While Intoxicated – 3rd Offense, a serious violation under MCL 257.625.

He also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of Operating Without License on Person in People v. Robert M. Craig, 20th District Court, Case No. C042287, on August 28, 2024.

Hearing Panel Findings

Under Michigan Court Rule 9.120(B)(1), a felony conviction results in the automatic interim suspension of a lawyer’s license to practice law. In Craig’s case, this automatic suspension became effective October 15, 2024 — the date of his felony conviction.

Following these convictions, Craig and the Grievance Administrator entered into a Stipulation for Consent Order of a 180-day suspension, pursuant to MCR 9.115(F)(5). This agreement was reviewed and approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and formally accepted by Tri-County Hearing Panel #13 on June 20, 2025.

The hearing panel found that Craig’s conduct constituted violations of Michigan’s Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically MCR 9.104(5) — engaging in conduct that violates criminal law — and MRPC 8.4(b) — committing criminal acts that reflect adversely on a lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a legal professional. The panel ordered that Craig’s 180-day suspension begin on October 15, 2024, aligning with the date of his interim suspension. He was also assessed costs in the amount of $832.10.

Why This Matters

Craig’s case illustrates the direct professional consequences that criminal behavior — particularly repeated offenses involving substance use — carries for Michigan attorneys. The felony OWI conviction triggered automatic interim suspension under Michigan court rules, with the formal disciplinary proceeding confirming and formalizing that suspension through a consent process. The 180-day suspension began before the disciplinary proceeding concluded, reflecting the immediate professional consequences that felony conviction carries under Michigan’s attorney discipline framework.