Opinion
No. SC12–1073.
2013-08-20
THE FLORIDA BAR, Complainant(s) v. Stephen Michael CODY, Respondent(s).
The “Unconditional Guilty Plea and Consent Judgment for Discipline” is approved and respondent is suspended from the practice of law for one year, effective thirty days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies this Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the suspension effective immediately. Respondent shall fully comply with Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 3–5.1(h). In addition, respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed until he is reinstated. Further, Respondent is hereby held in contempt. Respondent is directed to comply with all other terms and conditions of the consent judgment.
Respondent shall pay restitution in the amount of $13,049.00 to his former client Hotel Nash, LLC, within one year of this order under the terms and conditions set forth in the consent judgment.
Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399–2300, for recovery of costs from Stephen Michael Cody in the amount of $1,256.60, for which sum let execution issue.