On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, the Supreme Court of the State of Louisiana disciplined attorney Alvin C. Dowden, Jr. for misconduct.
The case is entitled, “In the Matter of Alvin C. Dowden, Jr.” and was brought by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel with case no. 2023-B-0916.
Dowden, Jr., was accused of improperly notarizing a donation inter vivos and being arrested for DWI and possession of marijuana. Prior to the filing of formal charges, a joint petition for consent discipline was submitted by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) and Dowden.
The Louisiana Supreme Court reviewed the petition and issued a one-year and one-day suspension for Dowden. However, this suspension was deferred in its entirety, and Dowden was placed on probation for the duration of his recovery agreement with the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. Failure to adhere to the agreement’s terms could lead to the execution of the deferred suspension or further disciplinary action.
Moreover, Dowden was instructed to bear all the costs and expenses associated with the case, with accrued legal interest if not paid within thirty days of the court’s final judgment.
At the time of writing, Mr. Dowden is the former city attorney and prosecutor for the city of Leesville, Louisiana. He is the senior partner of law firm Dowden & Smith, L.L.C. He attended the Southern University Law Center, graduating in 1985. He acquired his law license in Louisiana in 1985.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
