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Misconduct complaint filed against Franklin County judge who pleaded guilty to OVI

The Disciplinary Counsel of the Ohio Supreme Court has filed a misconduct complaint against a Franklin County judge who pleaded guilty to OVI in February.
Dashcam footage shows the OVI arrest of Judge Monica Hawkins on January 31, 2019. (Pickerington Police)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Disciplinary Counsel of the Ohio Supreme Court has filed a misconduct complaint against a Franklin County judge who pleaded guilty to OVI in February.

Pickerington Police arrested Judge Monica Hawkins on Jan. 31 after a driver called 911 to report a suspected intoxicated driver. After refusing a breathalyzer test, Hawkins had to be restrained for a blood draw. Her blood alcohol level was found to be more than double the legal limit.

Hawkins pleaded guilty to one count of OVI on Feb. 14.

In the complaint filed Thursday, the Disciplinary Counsel says Hawkins’ behavior violated the following provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct:

  • A judge shall comply with the law
  • A judge shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.

As a result, the counsel says Hawkins is chargeable with misconduct and requests she be disciplined.

Hawkins' attorney acknowledged that probable cause exists to warrant a hearing on the complaint.

The Board of Professional Conduct tells 10TV that Hawkins has until Aug. 23 to submit a response. At that point, a panel will be appointed to hear the complaint and there will be testimony and evidence presented by both sides.

After the hearing, the panel will write a report to the Board of Professional Conduct. The Board will then make a recommendation to the Ohio Supreme Court, which will then make a ruling on whether to discipline or not.

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