On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Minnesota Lawyer reported that a judge in Minnesota has received a public reprimand following his recent arrest for driving while impaired. This reprimand marks the first disciplinary action taken against 1st Judicial District Judge Michael J. Mayer since his appointment.

Judge Mayer was arrested on April 24 after a traffic stop, where a breathalyzer test indicated his blood alcohol concentration was 0.17, which is more than double the legal limit. On June 5, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving while impaired, resulting in a sentence of 90 days in the Dakota County Jail; however, the jail time was stayed. Instead, Judge Mayer will be under probation for two years.

Following his conviction, Mayer proactively reported the incident to the Board on Judicial Standards on June 10. In August, he appeared before the board to convey his remorse and commitment to his judicial responsibilities. According to a memorandum from the board, Mayer expressed his regret for his actions and assured them that he would not repeat such misconduct. The board recognized his reputation as a competent and dedicated judge, as well as his cooperation throughout the proceedings.

Despite these considerations, the board emphasized the importance of accountability for judges who violate the law and pose risks to public safety. It stated that appropriate sanctions are necessary when judges engage in unlawful behavior.

Judge Mayer has served on the bench since his appointment in 2004 by former Governor Tim Pawlenty and has no previous disciplinary record with the Board on Judicial Standards. To prevent future incidents, Mayer has taken several proactive steps, including the installation of a Smart Start Ignition Interlock device in his vehicle, completing a chemical dependency evaluation, and finishing two educational courses aimed at reducing the risk of repeat offenses.

The board found that Mayer had violated two provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct: Rule 1.1, which mandates compliance with the law, and Rule 1.2, which promotes public confidence in the judiciary. Additionally, he was determined to have breached Board Rule 4(a)(5), which identifies conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice and brings the judicial office into disrepute, as well as Board Rule 4(a)(6), which includes any behavior that constitutes a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

The board’s memorandum articulated that Judge Mayer’s actions endangered both himself and the public by operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, thereby undermining the integrity of the judicial office. It noted that such misconduct, regardless of whether it becomes widely known, damages the reputation of the judiciary.

On August 21, the board issued a notice of proposed public reprimand, following the guidelines set forth in Rules 6(f)(5)(iii) and 6(f)(7) of the Rules of the Board on Judicial Standards. Mayer waived his right to request a formal complaint and a public hearing, making the reprimand final.

 

 

Source: Minnesota Lawyer