On Monday, February 3, 2025, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced that Julie M. Kuck, a Justice of the Lindley Town Court in Steuben County, resigned amid an ongoing investigation related to driving while intoxicated. Kuck’s resignation comes in the wake of complaints that surfaced in November 2024, which indicated she had been charged with multiple alcohol-related offenses under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, including a felony charge.
In October 2024, Kuck entered a guilty plea for driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, thereby resolving all associated charges. Following this, she officially stepped down from her judicial position on January 10, 2025. As part of her resignation agreement, Kuck has committed never to seek or accept any judicial office in the future. This stipulation was signed by Kuck and the Commission’s Administrator, Robert H. Tembeckjian.
The Commission noted that Kuck had waived her right to confidentiality regarding the proceedings, allowing for the public disclosure of the stipulation and the Commission’s acceptance order. Kuck, who has been serving on the Lindley Town Court since 2017, was in the midst of her term, which was scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2025.
In a statement regarding the incident, Tembeckjian emphasized the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, particularly for judges who are expected to exemplify lawful behavior. He highlighted the heightened scrutiny judges face and the necessity for them to set a positive standard in their conduct.
