Comments About Judge Merit Sanction

An attorney who had previously served as an associate district  court judge was suspended by the Iowa Supreme Court. He had left the bench after a conviction for an alcohol-related driving offense. This case involves discipline for a second offense and published remarks that suggested bias and dishonesty on the part of the judge who had imposed sentence in that case. The court discusses at length the applicability of Rule 8.4(b) and concludes that the offense adversely reflected on fitness to practice. the court further concluded that the remarks were not expressions of opinion protected by the First Amendment. The attorney may not seek reinstatement for at least three months. (Mike Frisch)