Opinion ID: 1734513
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: should judge neal be publicly reprimanded and assessed costs of $266.20 as recommended by the commission?

Text: ¶ 9. In considering its recommendation concerning Judge Neal, the Commission was impressed with his humility and willingness to take responsibility for his actions. Deference was also afforded Judge Neal in that he had served as justice court judge for eleven (11) years without any previous complaints being filed against him. It was further noted that as a result of this incident, a full time Justice Court Prosecutor was hired by Leflore County, Mississippi, to prosecute criminal cases and help prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. ¶ 10. The Commission recommended that Judge Neal be publicly reprimanded and assessed all costs. This Court has noted that there are occasions where it may simply choose to defer to the Commission. In re Bailey, 541 So.2d 1036, 1040 (Miss.1989). Moreover, this Court has not yet removed a judge from office for a first offense where the judge has not profited in some way from his misconduct, although it certainly has that power. Id. ¶ 11. This Court agrees with and adopts the Commission's recommendation that Judge Neal be publicly reprimanded and assessed the costs of this proceeding in the amount of $266.20.