A Florida Circuit Court Judge, Wayne Culver, might face a 60-day suspension and a public reprimand for his conduct in court, including instances where he raised his voice and used profanity. The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) put forth its recommendations after investigating a series of incidents that took place in January and February of 2022, as reported by ClickOrlando.
The JQC's Notice of Formal Charges, first filed in June 2022, details how on Jan. 25, 2022, Culver made sarcastic remarks to a litigant and declared the litigant to be in direct criminal contempt, bypassing the legally required hearing. Furthermore, on Feb. 10, Culver had a heated exchange with another courtroom attendee, culminating in profanity-laden threats of contempt - as captured in a video that's made rounds in the news. The JQC disclosed that Culver was aghast by his language and feared the public's reaction, as evidenced by the judge's admission, "I really messed up in there," acknowledged his judicial assistant right after leaving the bench, as detailed by ClickOrlando.
This isn't the first brush with disciplinary actions for Culver. His behavior previously brought him close to suspension, but the Florida Supreme Court required a full hearing instead of accepting the recommended punitive measures. Now, after a hearing in April, where Culver testified and admitted his failings, citing completed anger management courses and pursued mental health counseling, the JQC is once again advocating for a suspension.
Culver's attorney has yet to give comments on the recent developments. Meanwhile, mitigating circumstances have been taken into consideration, such as the Judge's stressors at the time, particularly taking care of his ailing 87-year-old father. The commission hearing panel acknowledged that the incidents were "aberrational, situational, and attributable to stressful personal problems," as detailed by FOX 35 Orlando. They believe that despite the lapses, Culver remains genuinely contrite and effective in his role.
The Florida Supreme Court is slated to consider these recommendations and has the authority to impose the final disciplinary measures on Judge Culver, who is continuing to hear cases in Seminole County pending the decision.
