Legal Ethics
Disciplined for Rudeness, Judge Says He Can't Afford Probation, Will Retire and Return to Practice
Disciplined for repeated rudeness to lawyers, court staff and others, a South Dakota judge says he can’t afford the nearly $175,000 that a six-month suspension and subsequent probation could cost him.
So Circuit Judge A.P. “Pete” Fuller of Rapid City will retire and return to law practice, reports the Associated Press.
Fuller said he owes his lawyers $58,000 and is facing another $55,000 in lost pay over a six-month suspension. Court and pension benefit costs would add another $50,000.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Shamed Judge Pleads to Keep His Job, Tells Top SD Court ‘I’m Not Perfect But I Have Changed’”
ABAJournal.com: “Judge Who Acted with ‘Unconscionable Arrogance’ Must Retire or Face Suspension”
