How a judge's license suspension works in Michigan
When a judge in Ann Arbor has their license suspended, it means the Michigan Supreme Court or the Judicial Tenure Commission has temporarily removed their authority to hear cases. This is not the same as a criminal conviction — it is a disciplinary action taken by the state's judicial oversight body. A suspended judge cannot preside over any court proceedings until the suspension ends or is lifted.
The suspension can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the severity of the conduct that triggered it. During this time, another judge takes over the suspended judge's cases. The public record of the suspension is available through the Michigan Supreme Court's website and through local court records, so anyone can find out whether a sitting judge has faced discipline.
Suspensions happen for specific reasons: ethical violations, misconduct on the bench, failure to follow judicial rules, or criminal charges. The process that leads to suspension is formal and documented, which means there is a public record explaining what happened and why the court took action.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended judge cannot hear cases or perform judicial duties until the suspension is lifted, and another judge is assigned to their cases.
- Suspension records are public and available through the Michigan Supreme Court and local court records.
- The Judicial Tenure Commission investigates complaints against judges and can recommend suspension to the Michigan Supreme Court.
- If you have a case before a suspended judge, you can request reassignment to another judge or wait for the suspension to end.
- A suspension is separate from criminal charges — a judge can be suspended for ethical violations even without a criminal conviction.
Who investigates judges and decides on suspension
The Judicial Tenure Commission is the body that investigates complaints about Michigan judges, including those in Ann Arbor. This commission is made up of judges, lawyers, and citizens appointed by the state. When someone files a complaint about a judge's conduct, the commission looks into it and decides whether there is evidence of misconduct.
If the commission finds evidence of serious misconduct, it can recommend suspension to the Michigan Supreme Court. The Supreme Court then holds a hearing and votes on whether to suspend the judge, impose a lesser penalty like a reprimand, or dismiss the complaint. This process is public, and the court publishes its decisions online.
Complaints can come from anyone — a person involved in a case, a lawyer, another judge, or a member of the public who witnessed misconduct. The commission keeps the investigation confidential until it reaches a conclusion, at which point the findings become public record.
What happens to cases when a judge is suspended
When a judge is suspended, all their pending cases are reassigned to another judge. This happens automatically through the court's administrative process. If you are involved in a case before a suspended judge, you will receive notice that your case has been moved to a different judge.
In some situations, you may have the right to request a different judge even before suspension occurs — this is called a change of judge or recusal. If you believe a judge has a conflict of interest or bias, you can file a motion asking them to step aside. A suspended judge's cases do not require this step because the suspension itself removes them from the bench.
The reassignment does not affect the status of your case. Any motions filed, evidence submitted, or rulings made before the suspension remain part of the record. The new judge will review what has already happened and continue the case from that point.
How to learn about an Ann Arbor judge has been suspended
The Michigan Supreme Court maintains a public database of judicial discipline decisions on its website. You can search by judge name or court to see whether any suspension, reprimand, or other disciplinary action has been taken. This database includes the date of the action, the reason for it, and the length of the suspension.
You can also contact the Washtenaw County Court Administrator's Office directly. They can tell you the current status of any judge assigned to your case and whether that judge is under suspension. The court's website lists phone numbers and addresses for the district court, circuit court, and probate court in Ann Arbor.
Local news outlets sometimes report on judicial suspensions, especially if they involve high-profile judges or serious misconduct. Court records are also available through the courthouse itself — you can visit in person or call to ask about a specific judge's status.
What you can do if your case involves a suspended judge
If you discover that your judge has been suspended after your case was assigned, contact your lawyer when ready or go to the courthouse to speak with the clerk. The clerk can confirm that your case has been reassigned and tell you who the new judge is. You do not need to file any paperwork — the reassignment happens through the court's normal process.
If you have not yet had a hearing or trial, the new judge will start fresh with your case. If you have already had hearings or a trial, the new judge will review the existing record. In either situation, you have the right to request a continuance (a delay) if you need time to prepare with the new judge.
If you believe the suspended judge's conduct affected your case unfairly, you may have grounds to appeal or request a new trial. This is a legal question that depends on the specific facts of your case, so you should discuss it with a lawyer or contact the State Bar of Michigan for a referral.
The difference between suspension and removal
A suspension is temporary — the judge is barred from the bench for a set period, after which they can return if the suspension is lifted. A removal is permanent — the judge is taken off the bench for good and cannot serve as a judge again in Michigan. Removal is a much more serious consequence and is used only in cases of severe misconduct or criminal conviction.
During a suspension, the judge keeps their title and salary in some cases, depending on the terms set by the Michigan Supreme Court. After the suspension ends, the judge can resume their duties. If a judge is removed, they lose their position entirely and must leave the bench.
A judge can also resign rather than face suspension or removal. If this happens, the position becomes vacant and the court appoints or elects a replacement through the normal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal a decision made by a judge who was later suspended?
Possibly, but it depends on when the suspension happened and what the grounds for appeal are. If the judge's misconduct directly affected your case, you may have grounds to appeal or request a new trial. You should discuss this with a lawyer, as the rules are complex and important date explore.
Will a judge's suspension affect the outcome of my case?
Not automatically. The new judge will review the existing record and continue the case. However, a different judge may rule differently on pending motions or at trial. If you are concerned about how the change might affect your case, talk to your lawyer about your options.
How long does a judicial suspension usually last?
Suspensions vary widely depending on the misconduct. Some last a few months, others a year or more. The Michigan Supreme Court's decision will specify the length. You can find this information in the court's public database or by contacting the court administrator.
What should I do if I want to file a complaint about a judge?
Contact the Judicial Tenure Commission directly. You can file a complaint online or by mail. The commission will investigate and determine whether there is evidence of misconduct. Complaints are confidential during the investigation, but the final decision is public.
Can a judge be suspended for something that happened outside the courtroom?
Yes. Judges are held to ethical standards both on and off the bench. Criminal conduct, financial misconduct, or violations of judicial ethics rules can all result in suspension, even if they did not occur during court proceedings.