Supreme Court punishment is 12 times longer than that sought by the judicial conduct committee. It comes as lawmakers ready for removal proceedings backed by Governor Lynch.
The justices were unanimous in finding Patricia Coffey complicit in fraudulent property transfers, misleading investigators, and ignoring a court order. But they split over punishment. Justices James Duggan and Linda Dalianis ruled that three years without pay is sufficient sanction for acts they believe Coffey isn’t likely to repeat. In a dissent, Justice Richard Galwey wrote that an indefinite suspension – the toughest punishment the court can mete out - is the only way maintain the integrity of the judiciary. Judge Coffey, who had hoped to face only a public censure, did not return calls for this story; her lawyer Russ Hilliard, meanwhile, had no comment. Those on the other side of the case were more talkative.
"I think the court did a great service to the state and all of us involved in the justice system."
Attorney Jack Crisp chaired the panel that charged with disciplining Coffey……He says the panel had struggled over the correct punishment due to lack of precedent, and says the decision lays out needed guidelines for future judicial discipline cases. That point is seconded by Manchester lawyer Richard McNamara, who represented the Judicial Conduct Committee during the Supreme Court oral arguments. McNamara says the ruling also sends a clear message.
"I think it’s a decision that do what the court was trying to do give the public some confidence in our judicial system, and show that there are very serious consequences if a judge does not."
Reaction among lawmakers, who will next friday hear public testimony on a proposal to remove Judge Coffey from the bench permanently through a bill of address was more blunt.
"I would hope that punishment she’s received from the Supreme Court would get her to resign. She should save us all the angst of having to go through this, because this is not a nice procedure."
Hudson representative Andrew Renzullo was one of two GOP lawmakers who spearheaded the push for the bill of address. But the hope that Coffey leaves the bench --on her own or by force -- is bipartisan and growing. Governor Lynch first asked Coffey to step down months ago, and he repeated that request in a statement earlier today. Democratic Representative Dan Eaton is Assistant House Majority Leader. He says Coffey should heed that call.
"I would hope that the timing is such that it gives Judge Coffey a few days to make the right decision, which would then make that hearing on the bill of address moot and I’m hoping that will be the result."
The legislativive hearing on Judge Coffey removal is slated for next Friday. Lawmakers have set aside three hours for public testimony.
