Opinion ID: 2144178
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The second set of charges

Text: The second set of charges filed against Respondent under Cause No. 09S00-9610-JD-684 pertain to his treatment in 1996 of another criminal defendant (L.L.F.). On June 10, 1996, L.L.F. appeared before Respondent in the Cass Superior Court on a charge of leaving the scene of a property damage accident. The State was present and prepared for trial. On June 7, an attorney had sought a continuance on L.L.F.'s behalf, which properly was denied on the basis that an appearance had not been filed. The Respondent then was advised that the attorney did not intend to file an appearance or represent L.L.F. at the trial. At the hearing on June 10, Respondent explained on the record that an attorney had sought a continuance in L.L.F.'s case but had later informed the court that she did not intend to file an appearance. He then advised L.L.F. that he was ready to try the case and to proceed with her opening statement. L.L.F. stated that she wanted representation and did not wish to go forward without an attorney. Respondent replied by agreeing that L.L.F. had a constitutional right to counsel. However, he then stated that by exercising this constitutional right on the day of trial, she could be found in direct criminal contempt of court. Respondent asked L.L.F. if she wanted to exercise her right to counsel or proceed to trial. L.L.F. replied that she did not fully understand. Respondent then stated: My question is, do you wish to proceed at this time without counsel or do you wish to have counsel present, in which case we will consider the possibility of direct criminal contempt of court. Which is your choice? Not surprisingly, L.L.F. proceeded with a bench trial. Respondent entered a judgment of conviction and sentenced L.L.F. to a suspended sentence of 180 days, probation, fines, and costs. Canons 1, 2A, 3B(2), and 3B(9) of the Code of Judicial Conduct generally require judges to uphold the integrity of the judiciary, to maintain high standards of conduct, to respect and comply with the law and act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary, to be faithful to the law, to dispose of all matters fairly, and to avoid conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. In misrepresenting the law to L.L.F. and forcing her to choose between proceeding involuntarily without counsel or exercising her right to counsel and facing contempt and incarceration, Respondent violated these Canons.