On Thursday, March 26, 2026, FOX Carolina reported that the South Carolina Supreme Court suspended a Greenville-area judge for 30 days after determining he engaged in improper communication in a pending case.

The court ordered the suspension of Judge Darrell Scott Fisher, a West Greenville summary court judge, after he admitted to misconduct and agreed to discipline. The ruling stems from a June 24, 2024, hearing involving a complaint and a request for a restraining order.

According to the court’s opinion, Fisher repeatedly referred to the defendant by his first name during the hearing and stated he had known the individual for approximately 30 years. The court said Fisher did not issue a ruling on the restraining order at that time but told the plaintiff the request would remain active for six months.

After the plaintiff and her witnesses were dismissed, Fisher spoke privately with the defendant about the case without the plaintiff present. During that conversation, Fisher told the defendant to stop his behavior and indicated he had sufficient grounds to issue a restraining order, but chose not to do so.

The court found that this interaction constituted an improper “ex parte” communication, in which a judge discusses a pending matter with one party without the other party’s presence. Fisher acknowledged the violation.

In its decision, the Supreme Court stated that Fisher’s actions violated multiple provisions of South Carolina’s Code of Judicial Conduct, including requirements that judges maintain impartiality and avoid both actual impropriety and the appearance of bias.

The court also noted that Fisher had previously received a letter of caution in 2008 related to similar conduct.

In a letter submitted to the court, Fisher apologized for his actions and cited his 43 years of service as a judge in Greenville County. He also indicated plans to retire in 2026 and requested a lesser sanction.

The suspension took effect on March 18. The court also ordered Fisher to pay the costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings within 30 days.

Source: FOX Carolina