In re Hon. Julie A. McDonald

Summary

Michigan Supreme Court ordered a 45-day suspension without pay for 6th Circuit Judge Julie A. McDonald, who consented to the sanction after being arrested for driving while intoxicated and littering while a judicial candidate. The Court adopted stipulated findings that her conduct violated judicial canons and Michigan Court Rules, applying the standards from *In re Brown* (2000) to evaluate the seriousness of the misconduct. The suspension was based on a settlement agreement with the Judicial Tenure Commission, reflecting that the misconduct occurred off the bench but involved a pattern of impaired driving and undermined public confidence in the judiciary.

Holdings

1. The respondent's conduct constitutes misconduct in office, violation of judicial canons, and warrants a 45-day suspension without pay.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the respondent's conduct constitutes judicial misconduct under the Michigan Constitution and Code of Judicial Conduct
2. Whether a 45-day suspension without pay is an appropriate sanction

Disposition

other