On Monday, May 19, 2025, Treasure Coast Newspapers reported on the arrest of former 19th Judicial Circuit Judge Brett Waronicki on charges of driving under the influence and drug possession. Had Waronicki not resigned after his April 23, 2025, arrest, Florida’s legal system has specific procedures to address judicial misconduct, which would have been applied to investigate and potentially discipline him.

When a judge faces allegations of misconduct, such as those in Waronicki’s case involving a traffic stop in Jensen Beach and the discovery of cocaine residue in his condominium, the process begins with the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) in Tallahassee.

The JQC is tasked with investigating complaints against state judges and justices. An investigative panel reviews the complaint to determine if there is probable cause for disciplinary action. If probable cause is established, the panel may negotiate with the judge to agree on penalties, which could include a reprimand, fine, suspension with or without pay, or sanctions from the Florida Bar if the judge is a licensed attorney.

If the judge and the JQC panel cannot reach an agreement, the case advances to a public hearing where evidence is presented, and the panel issues a recommendation. For example, in a 2001 case, a judge from the 19th Judicial Circuit was required to attend substance abuse rehabilitation, with formal charges filed when he failed to comply.

The JQC’s findings are then submitted to the Florida Supreme Court, which holds final authority over judicial discipline. The court can impose sanctions, including removal from office, if a judge is deemed unfit due to actions demonstrating unfitness, such as bad faith or moral turpitude, even without a criminal conviction. Since 2001, the JQC has handled 121 misconduct cases, including four in St. Lucie County and one in Indian River County.

Florida judges are guided by the Code of Judicial Conduct, a set of recommended practices to uphold public confidence in the judiciary. The code prohibits judges from engaging in activities that could compromise their impartiality, such as practicing law, mediating private disputes, or participating in business dealings that may create conflicts of interest. It also advises against actions that could undermine the judicial office, such as political advocacy or non-law-related charitable activities.

In a case like Waronicki’s, had he remained in office, the JQC would have conducted a thorough investigation, possibly leading to a public hearing. The Florida Supreme Court would then review the JQC’s recommendation and decide on appropriate action, which could range from a reprimand to removal from the bench.

Waronicki’s resignation after May 6, 2025, halted this process, leaving him to face only the criminal charges.

 

 

Source: Treasure Coast Newspapers