In re Flint

“Based on the stipulation, we conclude that, at a minimum, respondent has violated Rule 2.1(A), and we approve the stipulation to censure.”

The Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability and the Honorable Bethany P. Flint stipulated as to the facts of two incidents, and consequent censure by the Supreme Court.

First incident: Flint advised a friend regarding a restraining order, and advocated on the friend’s behalf to the issuing judge. Subsequently, Flint complained about the issuing judge’s conduct to the presiding judge, and wrote an opinion letter about the issuing judge in an unrelated matter.

Second incident: Flint’s close friend was going to be questioned by the police in connection with a suspected homicide. Flint interjected themselves into the police investigation, advising the friend’s children what to do if asked for an interview, and interrupting the friend’s questioning.

“Based on the stipulation, we conclude that, at a minimum, respondent has violated Rule 2.1(A) [‘[a] judge shall observe high standards of conduct so that the integrity, impartiality and independence of the judiciary and access to justice are preserved and shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the judiciary and the judicial system’], and we approve the stipulation to censure.”