Published: July 10, 2025 | Hillsdale, MI
Attorney Daren Wiseley (P85220) of Hillsdale, Michigan, has been suspended from the practice of law for 180 days, effective July 9, 2025, following a series of criminal convictions and misconduct findings, including two separate findings of criminal contempt, a battery conviction in Florida, and a domestic violence conviction in Michigan.
Wisely was also the Chairman of the Hillsdale County Republican Party at the time. The Hillsdale County Republican Party has been under fire in recent years for other controversies.
The suspension comes after the Grievance Administrator filed a consolidated case (Nos. 24-102-JC, 24-103-GA, and 25-14-JC), which included both formal complaints and multiple judgments of conviction. The case was assigned to Washtenaw County Hearing Panel #3 and resolved through a Stipulation for Consent Order of Discipline under MCR 9.115(F)(5). The stipulation was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by the hearing panel.
A Pattern of Misconduct and Criminal Behavior
According to the panel’s findings, Wiseley was:
- Held in criminal contempt twice in March and April 2023 in Presque Isle County Circuit Court while representing a defendant in a jury trial. He was ordered to remain at the courthouse but was found absent and later discovered asleep nearby. After denying being under the influence, a breath test revealed a BAC of 0.15, prompting a second contempt proceeding for making a false statement to the court. He served 24 hours in jail.
- Convicted of multiple misdemeanors, including:
- Failure to report an accident to fixtures (Michigan, February 2024)
- Battery (Florida, March 2024)
- Domestic Violence (Michigan, February 2025)
Wiseley also failed to report these convictions to the Attorney Discipline Board or the Grievance Commission, as required under MCR 9.120(A) and (B), similar to that of attorney Michael Carroll.
Ethical Violations and Misconduct Findings
Based on Wiseley’s admissions and no contest pleas, the hearing panel found violations of several professional conduct rules, including:
- MRPC 3.3(a)(1) – Making or failing to correct a false statement to a tribunal.
- MRPC 3.4(c) – Knowingly disobeying court orders.
- MRPC 8.1(a)(2) – Failing to report convictions to disciplinary authorities.
- MRPC 8.4(b) – Engaging in criminal conduct reflecting adversely on his fitness as a lawyer.
- MRPC 8.4(c) – Conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
- MCR 9.104(1)-(5) – Multiple violations including dishonesty, disobedience of court orders, and bringing reproach upon the legal profession.
The panel also cited that Wiseley’s actions exposed the legal system to contempt and censure, and violated standards of honesty, ethics, and professional responsibility.
Suspension and Conditions
As part of the agreement, Wiseley’s license has been suspended for 180 days, effective July 9, 2025. In addition to the suspension, he will be subject to conditions relevant to the misconduct, though the specific terms were not publicly disclosed. He was also ordered to pay costs totaling $1,079.76.
Conclusion
Wiseley’s case highlights the significant and escalating consequences that can result when an attorney engages in repeated criminal behavior, disregards court orders, and fails to report convictions to oversight authorities. The suspension serves as a stern reminder of the high ethical standards required of legal professionals and the serious repercussions for those who violate them.
