IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEVADA

IN THE MATTER OF DISCIPLINE OF VALERIE J.S. HIGGINS, BAR NO. 8883.

JAN 13 2016 TRACK K. LINDEMAN C l-,EftKPF-BLIFVEI4 COI BY

ORDER DECLINING TO IMPOSE TEMPORARY SUSPENSI /011V This is a petition under SCR 111 concerning attorney Valerie Higgins, based on a conviction for one count of driving under the influence, a misdemeanor. Higgins self-reported the conviction to the State Bar.

Because the crime is not one of those specifically enumerated in SCR 111(6) as a "serious" crime, temporary suspension and referral to the disciplinary board are discretionary with this court. SCR 111(9).

The seriousness of drinking and driving cannot be minimized, however, first offense driving under the influence is not the type of offense for which professional discipline is typically imposed. 2 Geoffrey C.

Hazard, Jr., W. William Hodes, & Peter R. Jarvis, The Law of Lawyering, § 69.04, at 69-13 (4th ed. 2015); In the Matter of Respondent I, 2 Cal. State Bar Ct. Rptr. 260, 266 n.6, 272 (Rev. Dept. 1993). Accordingly, having considered the petition and supporting documentation, we conclude that Higgins' offense does not warrant the imposition of a temporary suspension or referral to a disciplinary board at this time.

It is so ORDERED.

n -10-A ift-Ati , J.

Hardesty

SUPREME COURT ,J.

OF Saitta Pickering NEVADA (0) 1947A ea Lo - 01 Z" 2_ cc: C. Stanley Hunterton, Bar Counsel, State Bar of Nevada Valerie J. S. Higgins Kimberly K. Farmer, Executive Director, State Bar of Nevada

SUPREME COURT OF NEVADA (0) 1907A vto.