Punta Gorda attorney Michael F. Savage has been suspended until further order following a Nov. 1 Florida Supreme Court order after he was found in contempt for not responding to an official Florida Bar inquiry.
The high court's two-page order did not specify a length for Savage's suspension except that he "shall remain suspended until he has responded in writing to the official bar inquiry and until further order of this court."
Savage's suspension was effective 30 days from the date of the high court's order to allow him time to close out his practice and protect the interests of his existing clients. The order also allowed for Savage to notify the court if he is no longer practicing law and does not require the 30 days, in which case his suspension could become effective immediately.
Michael F. Savage was admitted to The Florida Bar on Oct. 2, 2007.
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Savage also was ordered to pay $1,250 in costs. The Florida State Bar announced the discipline and the state Supreme Court's order Dec. 28.
In Florida, court orders are not final until after the time to file a rehearing motion expires. Filing such a motion would not alter the effective date of the Savage's suspension.
Savage was admitted to The Florida Bar on Oct. 2, 2007, according to his profile at the state bar website. Savage has had no other discipline before the state bar for at least 10 years, according to his profile.
After Savage allegedly failed to respond to its official inquiry, a state bar grievance committee found Savage in non-compliance and contempt, according to the state bar's petition for contempt and show cause. The petition asked that Savage be suspended until he "fully responds in writing to the official bar inquiry" and that he also be required to pay costs.
After the state bar filed its petition for contempt and show cause, the state high court issued its own show cause order prior to suspending Savage.