The Effectiveness Of Disciplinary Probation

The Louisiana Supreme Court revoked disciplinary probation imposed in 2008 and suspended an attorney for a year and a day.

The probation was ordered after two convictions involving driving while under the influence of alcohol. The attorney had completed an in-patient recovery program. The attorney then entered into a five-year recovery agreement with the Bar’s Lawyer Assistance Program, which has served as the attorney’s probation monitor since 2008.

The probation was revoked due to the attorney’s January 7, 2011 arrest for DWI, driving while suspended  and possession of an open container.

There is no indication from the court’s opinion that the bar’s program was aware of and had reported that the probationer was not maintaining sobriety.

That’s not reassuring.

Update: Fred Ours advises that the program did report the violation. (Mike Frisch)