A Broward judge is facing a reprimand for stepping down from the bench to head for another judge’s courtroom, where he acted as a lawyer for a female friend facing a domestic violence charge.
County Judge Woody Clermont, who was first elected to the bench last year, appeared on April 11 in first appearance court on behalf of a “personal friend” who had been arrested and was set to appear in front of the judge on duty. According to the Judicial Qualifications Commission, which polices allegations of judicial misconduct, Clermont identified himself as a judge when he entered the courtroom, then stepped up to talk to prosecutors about his friend’s case.
“The prosecutor explained that he was going to recommend a small monetary bond with some conditions,” the JQC panel wrote. “You provided additional mitigating information about the defendant and the circumstances of the incident. Based on the information you provided, the prosecutor agreed to a non-monetary bond with conditions.”
Clermont then walked up to the courtroom podium when his friend’s case was called and announced he was serving as her lawyer.
The presiding judge allowed Clermont to represent his friend, but reported the incident to his colleagues, who told Clermont to report himself to the JQC. Clermont complied with the advice and accepted responsibility for his misconduct.
The JQC summary of charges did not name the client represented by Clermont or the judge who presided over the first appearance hearing. According to the JQC, the prosecutor knew Clermont was a judge but was not influenced by his status. Clermont handles civil cases and does not interact with the Broward State Attorney’s Office in a professional capacity.
The JQC’s recommendation of a reprimand must be accepted by the Florida Supreme Court, which has final say over punishment in judicial misconduct cases.
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.
