On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Minnesota Lawyer reported that Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Renee Worke received a public reprimand following a conviction for misdemeanor driving while impaired. The reprimand was issued by the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards.

The board acknowledged Judge Worke’s 30 years of service to the state, noting her leadership and mentoring roles. They also recognized her cooperation and acknowledgement of the negative impact her actions had on the judiciary. However, the board emphasized that violating the law and endangering public safety necessitate sanctions. Consequently, they authorized the Public Reprimand.

Judge Worke’s tenure on the Minnesota Court of Appeals began in 2005, with her election to the position in 2006. Her current term is set to expire in 2031. She has also served as a 3rd Judicial District judge.

The incident leading to the reprimand occurred on November 29, 2025, in Owatonna, when a Steele County sheriff’s deputy discovered Worke’s vehicle stuck in a snowbank. The deputy noted that Worke exhibited glossy eyes and slurred speech.

Another deputy, upon questioning Worke about her well-being, received the response, “I’m totally fine.” However, this deputy also observed bloodshot and glossy eyes, detected the odor of alcohol, and noticed slurred speech and impaired motor function. The deputy requested Worke to exit the vehicle, and she reportedly displayed unsteadiness and required assistance while walking to the squad car.

Following the administration of the horizontal gaze nystagmus test and standardized field sobriety testing, findings were consistent with impairment. Worke subsequently agreed to a breath test, which registered a 0.16 blood alcohol content within two hours of her arrest.

Worke pleaded guilty to fourth-degree driving while impaired. The court suspended the imposition of the sentence and placed Worke on supervised probation for one year.

Worke self-reported the incident to the Board on Judicial Standards, which also stated that it had received two complaints regarding her conduct. The board emphasized the severity of driving while impaired, citing the danger it poses to public safety. They stated that Judge Worke endangered the public and herself while bringing the judicial office into disrepute.

The board determined that Worke violated Rules 1.1 and 1.2 of the Rules of the Board on Judicial Standards, pertaining to compliance with the law and promoting confidence in the judiciary. The board stated that Judge Worke’s misconduct was serious, violated the law, and caused harm to the public’s confidence in the judiciary. Therefore, the Board determined that a Public Reprimand must be issued to resolve this matter.

 

 

Source: Minnesota Lawyer