Fees In Marijuana

A  lawyer who was paid a retainer in marijuana should be suspended for a year and a day with the suspension fully deferred, according to a recent report and recommendation of a Louisiana Hearing Committee.

The attorney had previously entered into such a fee arrangment with a confidential informant who set him up for a surveilled transaction in a Target parking lot.

The fee agreement was not reduced to writing. Rather, the attorney told the informant that the fee arrangement  was “same old, same old.”

The informant told the attorney he had a “crap load of smoke” and a “backpack full of marijuana.”

The attorney admitted the misconduct but denied any intent to distribute.

After the arrest, the attorney got into treatment and is participating in the Bar’s Lawyers Assistance Program. His remorse and progress in treatment  led to the recommendation of a stayed suspension.

The Times-Picayune reported the arrest and that a half a pound of “high grade” marijuana was seized. (Mike Frisch)