On Monday, March 17, 2025, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced that Jeffrey M. Zimmerman, a Judge of the New York City Criminal Court and an Acting Justice of the Supreme Court in Bronx County, has resigned amid charges of judicial misconduct.

The commission had charged Judge Zimmerman with a series of violations, including a pattern of discourteous behavior. The resignation follows the acceptance of a formal written complaint served to him in January 2025, which outlined specific allegations regarding his conduct while presiding over criminal cases.

According to the commission, Judge Zimmerman interfered with the attorney-client relationship by consistently disparaging a defendant’s attorney and showing apparent bias against the defendant. Additionally, he was accused of communicating privately with jurors about a case they had just deliberated, potentially undermining their verdict. The complaint also noted that he criticized a fellow judge for their opinions and failed to maintain the necessary patience and courtesy expected of a judge in his position.

Judge Zimmerman agreed to resign permanently and will not return to the bench. His resignation stipulation was executed on February 21, 2025, and accepted by the commission on March 13, 2025. The effective date of his resignation is set for April 3, 2025. In a notable decision, Judge Zimmerman waived his rights to confidentiality regarding the proceedings, allowing the stipulation and the commission’s order to be made public.

The commission’s administrator, Robert H. Tembeckjian, emphasized the importance of judges maintaining professionalism and courtesy in their demeanor. He stated that judges are required to treat all litigants and their legal representatives with respect and must refrain from making comments that could be interpreted as praise or criticism of jury verdicts. Tembeckjian noted that Judge Zimmerman’s resignation effectively resolves the matter.

Having served as a Judge of the New York City Criminal Court since 2019 and as an Acting Justice of the Supreme Court since 2023, Judge Zimmerman’s current term was scheduled to end on December 31, 2028. He previously held the role of interim Judge in the New York City Civil Court from 2018 to 2019.

A copy of the press release can be found here.