Son Of A Judge

A non-attorney town court justice has been censured by the New York Commission on Judicial Conduct for handling a traffic ticket issued to his son

On January 10, 2022, respondent’s son received a traffic ticket for operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle. The ticket was returnable on February 10, 2022, in the Elizabethtown Town Court.

The son registered the vehicle two days later.

The ticket was scheduled before another judge but

On January 20, 2022, i.e. respondent’s next scheduled court date, respondent asked Essex County First Assistant District Attorney Michael Langey about resolving respondent’s son’s ticket. Respondent’s son was not present. Respondent did not disclose his relationship with to Mr. Langey, who was unaware that the two were related. Respondent told Mr. Langey that [redacted] had registered his vehicle. Although respondent did not document this claim, Mr. Langey relied upon his representation, which was accurate, that the vehicle had since been properly registered.

The ticket was then dismissed.

He acknowledged that his conduct violated judicial canons

In accepting the jointly recommended sanction of censure, we have taken into consideration that respondent has acknowledged that his conduct was improper and warrants public discipline. We trust that respondent has learned from this experience and in the future will act in strict accordance with his obligation to abide by all the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct.

(Mike Frisch)