IN RE: Jeffery D. SAMPSON (2025)

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) commenced an investigation into allegations that respondent was arrested and charged with drug-related offenses. The ODC instituted formal charges; however, prior to adjudication of those charges, respondent and the ODC submitted a joint petition for consent discipline. Having reviewed the petition,

IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Consent Discipline be accepted and that Jeffery D. Sampson, Louisiana Bar Roll number 37529, be suspended from the practice of law for one year and one day. The suspension shall be fully deferred subject to the conditions stipulated to by the parties, including a two-year period of probation to run concurrently with a two-year monitoring contract between respondent and the Judges and Lawyer's Assistance Program (“JLAP”).

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED the probationary period shall not commence until respondent produces evidence to the ODC that he has entered into the two-year monitoring agreement with JLAP, at which time respondent, the probation monitor, and the ODC shall execute a formal probation plan. If respondent fails to enter into a JLAP monitoring contract within thirty days of the date of this order, the ODC shall immediately advise this court and may move to set aside this consent discipline.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any failure of respondent to comply with the conditions of probation, or any misconduct during the probationary period, 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.

PER CURIAM

Crain, J., dissents and would reject the petition for consent discipline. McCallum, J., dissents and would reject the proposed discipline as too lenient.