On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Orange-Osceola Circuit Court Judge Jeff Ashton filed a response to formal charges raised against him by the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC). The charges allege that Ashton engaged in inappropriate behavior during court proceedings, including shouting at attorneys and exhibiting bias.
The case is entitled “In The Matter of Judge Jeff Ashton,” with case number 2024-1432.
The JQC’s findings reported earlier in October, indicated that there was probable cause to pursue disciplinary action against Judge Ashton. The commission highlighted incidents where he allegedly yelled at attorneys, made inappropriate remarks, and displayed biased behavior, particularly when disagreeing with attorneys in his courtroom. These actions reportedly contributed to a disruptive courtroom environment, with some outbursts audible over a white noise machine designed to mask side conversations.
In his response, Judge Ashton denied many of the allegations. He acknowledged moments when he struggled with patience but emphasized that he treated those appearing before him with dignity and courtesy. Ashton admitted to calling out the name of an attorney to regain his attention during a trial, claiming the attorney was speaking over him and had turned his back while he was speaking. He insisted that he never intended to prejudice the litigants and aimed to ensure a fair trial for both sides.
Ashton specifically denied allegations that his voice could be heard over the courtroom’s white noise machine during the case of Alisha Oliver v. Holly Swarthout. He also rejected claims that his demeanor showed bias against any party involved in the proceedings. Regarding a particular incident where he threatened an attorney with contempt, Ashton acknowledged that this was an error but maintained that it did not reflect intemperate behavior.
The response further addressed the vagueness of some allegations, stating that he was unaware of any specific actions that could be characterized as undignified or discourteous toward attorneys. While Ashton admitted to factual errors in his rulings concerning a motion to disqualify, he denied that these errors constituted violations of the Canons of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
An investigative panel will now review the case to determine appropriate disciplinary measures. This panel has the option to request a formal evidentiary hearing, which would provide a platform for gathering additional information before issuing findings and recommendations.
Judge Ashton, who was elected as a circuit judge in 2018, has held various judicial roles, including serving in the domestic violence and civil court divisions. He returned to the domestic violence division in April 2024. Prior to his judicial career, Ashton was a state attorney and gained national attention as the prosecutor in the high-profile Casey Anthony trial.
The Florida Supreme Court will ultimately decide on any recommendations made by the investigative panel regarding Judge Ashton’s conduct.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
