On Friday, May 2, 2025, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced that David R. Green, a part-time justice of the Colonie Town Court in Albany County, resigned amid an ongoing investigation into multiple allegations of misconduct. Green, who also practices law, agreed to step down effective June 30, 2025, and committed to never seeking or accepting judicial office again.

The commission launched its investigation in January 2025 following complaints that Green engaged in inappropriate behavior, including unprofessional interactions with lawyers and litigants. He was accused of discussing case merits with an unrepresented defendant, making coercive remarks to defendants, and suggesting he had prejudged their guilt. Additionally, Green allegedly appeared as an attorney in a local court, which is prohibited, and allowed some of his legal clients to appear in his own court. He was also accused of soliciting assistance from prosecutors appearing before him to support an internship applicant.

In March 2025, the commission informed Green of an additional complaint alleging he participated in partisan political activities, such as encouraging voters to switch their political affiliations, which violates judicial conduct rules.

Green signed a stipulation on April 4, 2025, formalizing his resignation agreement with the commission, which was accepted on May 1, 2025. He waived confidentiality to allow the stipulation and the commission’s order to be made public.

“All judges must be and appear fair and impartial. Part-time judges who are authorized to practice law must avoid the impression that their judicial status gives them undue advantage when representing clients,” the  Commission Administrator said. “For example, they may not appear as lawyers in their own county before other part-time judges who practice law, and a judge’s law clients cannot appear in the judge’s own court. Judge Green’s resignation resolves the issues raised against him.

Green, admitted to the New York State Bar in 2002, has served as a Colonie Town Court justice since 2021. His current term would have expired on December 31, 2025.

A copy of the news release can be found here.