FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE  

NEWS RELEASE # 092

FROM: CLERK OF SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA

The Opinions handed down on the 13th day of December, 2004 , are as follows:

BY JOHNSON, J. :

2003-K -3514       STATE OF LOUISIANA v. ALLEN SCOTT WILLIAMS

(Parish of Lasalle)

(Hit and Run Driving)

For the reasons stated herein, we hold that the evidence, viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, supports defendant's conviction, and we affirm defendant's conviction and sentence.

AFFIRMED.

CALOGERO, C.J., dissents and assigns reasons.

VICTORY, J., concurs in the result and assigns reasons.

KNOLL, J., additionally concurs with reasons.

WEIMER, J., dissents and assigns reasons.

BY TRAYLOR, J. :

2004-O -2123       IN RE: JUDGE TIMOTHY C. ELLENDER

(Judiciary Commission of Louisiana)

Upon review of the record, briefs, and oral argument, it is ordered that Judge Timothy Ellender, be suspended from his office of Judge, Thirty-Second Judicial District Court for the Parish of Terrebonne for a period of one year, without pay, with six months deferred. During his suspension, it is ordered that Judge Ellender complete the condition set forth in this opinion. Failure to adhere to the condition, may be grounds to revoke the deferred portion of the suspension. All costs and expenses, amounting to $2,136.70 (Two thousand, one hundred and thirty six and 70/100 dollars), are assessed against Judge Ellender in accordance with Supreme Court Rule XXIII, §22.

Judge Edwin A. Lombard assigned as Justice ad hoc, sitting in the place of Associate Justice Bernette J. Johnson, recused.

Retired Judge Lemmie O. Hightower, assigned as Justice ad hoc, sitting in the place of Associate Justice John L. Weimer, recused.

VICTORY, J., dissents and assigns reasons.

HIGHTOWER, J., ad hoc, dissents and assigns reasons.

LOMBARD, J., ad hoc, additionally concurs and assigns reasons.

PER CURIAM :

2004-B -1453       IN RE: JOHN B. COMISH

(Disciplinary Proceedings)

Upon review of the findings and recommendations of the hearing committee and disciplinary board, and considering the record, briefs, and oral argument, it is ordered that John B. Comish, Louisiana Bar Roll number 4392, be suspended from the practice of law in Louisiana for a period of three years. It is further ordered that all but one year and one day of the suspension shall be deferred, subject to the condition that any future misconduct may be grounds for making the deferred portion of the suspension executory or imposing additional discipline, as appropriate. 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.