Michael Anthony Petretta

Michael Anthony Petretta was admitted to the California Bar 6th June 1967, but has since been disbarred. Michael graduated from University of San Diego SOL.

Lawyer Information

Name	Michael Anthony Petretta
First Admitted	6 June 1967 (56 years, 11 months ago)
Status	Disbarred
Bar Number	40272

Contact

Phone Number	805-968-0701

Schools

Law School	University of San Diego SOL (San Diego CA)
Undergraduate School	See Registration Card

Address

Current Address	6647 El Colegio Rd #B229 Golita, CA 93117
Map

History

8 April 1999	Disbarred (25 years ago) Disbarment 97-N-11339
22 March 1998	Not eligible to practice law in CA (26 years, 1 month ago) Ordered inactive 97-N-11339
21 July 1997	Not eligible to practice law in CA (26 years, 9 months ago) Suspended, failed to pay fees
27 June 1997	Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 97-N-11339 (26 years, 10 months ago)
10 January 1997	Not eligible to practice law in CA (27 years, 3 months ago) Discipline w/actual suspension 92-O-14961
9 November 1994	Disciplinary charges filed in State Bar Court 92-O-14961 (29 years, 5 months ago)
16 July 1984	Active (39 years, 9 months ago)
9 July 1984	Not eligible to practice law in CA (39 years, 9 months ago) Suspended, failed to pay fees
6 June 1967	Admitted to the State Bar of California (56 years, 11 months ago)

Discipline Summaries

April 8, 1999

MICHAEL ANTHONY PETRETTA [#40272], 62, of Solvang was disbarred April 8, 1999, and was ordered to comply with rule 955.

Petretta violated a 1997 discipline order requiring him to comply with rule 955 by notifying all his clients and other pertinent parties that he was suspended from practice and then submitting an affidavit to that effect to the Supreme Court.

The original misconduct involved failure to place sufficient funds from a settlement into his client trust account and to promptly honor a medical lien, and failure to perform legal services competently or communicate with a client. Petretta was suspended for six months and was ordered to make restitution.

Although he apparently was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder, they were not considered factors in mitigation because there was no showing that they were responsible for Petretta's actions.

January 10, 1997

MICHAEL A. PETRETTA [#40272], 59, of Santa Ynez was suspended for two years, stayed, and placed on probation for two years on the condition that he actually be suspended for six months and until he makes restitution, effective Jan. 10, 1997. He also must comply with other conditions of probation from a 1995 disciplinary order.

If the period of actual suspension is two years or greater, he will remain suspended until he has shown proof of his fitness to practice law. He was ordered to pass the MPRE and comply with rule 955.

In this decision, the bar court found Petretta culpable of misconduct involving three client matters.

In one instance, Petretta failed to place sufficient funds from a settlement in his clients' trust account and promptly pay a medical lien.

In another matter, he failed to keep his client informed of case developments, promptly return the client's telephone calls and return an unearned advanced fee of $7,500.

A third instance of misconduct involved his failure to prosecute or promptly withdraw from a client's workers' compensation case.

Considered as a mitigating factor was Petretta's discipline-free record in more than 20 years of practice.

In addition, during this period, Petretta's wife, who served as his secretary, was diagnosed with cancer. The stress of her illness, resulting financial problems and running a sole practice led to marital difficulties and the couple's separation.

Petretta was later diagnosed with bi-polar and attention deficit disorders, along with depression and other ailments. His condition dramatically improved with medical treatment. In a letter, Petretta's physician expressed his opinion that the attorney was capable of resuming his practice of law without restrictions.

In aggravation, Petretta committed multiple acts of misconduct and wilfully neglected to pay a medical lien.

In addition, the hearing judge of the State Bar Court noted its "serious concern" about Petretta's demeanor, behavior and conduct during the discipline proceedings, recommending psychiatric or psychological treatment as part of his probation.

Michael Petretta