Columbus Bar Ass'n v. Winkfield

In February 1997, the family of Frederick E. Lowery retained respondent Lawrence Edward Winkfield of Columbus, Ohio, Attorney Registration No. 0034254, and paid him a retainer of $7,000 to investigate and, if possible, obtain postconviction relief for Lowery. Lowery was convicted in 1993 of aggravated robbery. Respondent told the family that he would charge $150 an hour against the retainer and discussed with them the options of supershock probation and a motion to reconsider. Respondent did not deposit the retainer in a separate trust account.

The potential remedies respondent discussed with…