Issued: December 30, 2025
Effective: December 27, 2025
Discipline Summary
Michigan attorney Simon P. Hoffmann (P 75676) of St. Joseph has been suspended from the practice of law for 120 days, effective December 27, 2025. The suspension is subject to conditions related to the established misconduct.
The hearing panel also assessed costs totaling $2,019.06.
Applicable Court Rules
Attorney discipline proceedings are governed by Michigan Court Rules Chapter 9, including MCR 9.115 and MCR 9.120.
Underlying Conduct
The Attorney Grievance Administrator filed a combined Notice of Filing of Judgment of Conviction and Formal Complaint pursuant to MCR 9.120(B)(3).
The notice advised that Hoffmann was convicted by guilty plea in two separate criminal matters:
- People v Simon Peter Hoffmann, 5th Judicial District Court, Case No. 2024-000776-SD
Hoffmann was convicted of Operating With a High BAC, a misdemeanor in violation of MCL 257.625(1)(c), and Contempt of Court, Bond Violation, a misdemeanor in violation of MCL 600.1701(a). - People v Simon Peter Hoffmann, 5th Judicial District Court, Case No. 2024-036729-SD
Hoffmann was convicted of Operating While Intoxicated .08, a misdemeanor in violation of MCL 257.625(1)(a).
The formal complaint further alleged that Hoffmann failed to provide written notification to the Grievance Administrator within 14 days of each conviction, as required by court rule.
Hearing Panel Findings
Following proceedings conducted under MCR 9.115 and MCR 9.120, Muskegon County Hearing Panel #1 found that Hoffmann committed professional misconduct as alleged.
Based on the criminal convictions, the panel found that Hoffmann engaged in conduct that violated a criminal law, in violation of MCR 9.104(5).
Based on Hoffmann’s default, the panel also found that he failed to provide timely written notice of his convictions to the Grievance Administrator, in violation of MCR 9.120(A).
The panel further concluded that Hoffmann’s conduct violated MCR 9.104(1)–(3) and MRPC 8.4(c).
Sanction
The panel ordered that Hoffmann’s license to practice law in Michigan be suspended for 120 days, subject to conditions relevant to the established misconduct.
Costs were assessed in the amount of $2,019.06.
Why This Matters
Michigan’s attorney discipline system places heightened emphasis on self-reporting obligations following criminal convictions. The failure to notify disciplinary authorities is treated as independent misconduct, separate from the underlying criminal conduct.
This case illustrates how default and non-cooperation can compound disciplinary exposure and result in suspension with conditions, even where the underlying offenses are misdemeanors.
