
    In re Steven C. COWARD.
    No. 2012-B-2002.
    Supreme Court of Louisiana.
    Oct. 12, 2012.
   ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

PER CURIAM.

I,The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation into respondent’s alcohol-related criminal history. Prior to the institution of formal charges, respondent and the ODC submitted a joint petition for consent discipline, in which the parties stipulated that respondent violated Rule 8.4(b) (commission of a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Having reviewed the petition,

IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that Steven C. Coward, Louisiana Bar Roll number 26006, be suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years. It is further ordered that this suspension shall be deferred in its entirety and that respondent shall be placed on probation for a period of five years, subject to the conditions set forth in the petition for consent discipline. Any failure of respondent to comply with the conditions of probation may be grounds for making the deferred suspension executory, or imposing additional discipline, as appropriate.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all costs and expenses in the matter are assessed against respondent in accordance with Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 10.1, with legal interest to commence thirty days from the date of finality of this court’s judgment until paid. 
      
       Chief Justice Kimball not participating in the opinion.
     