UPDATED RELEASE REGARDING SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE CELÉ HANCOCK
Big Idea
Judge Hancock was arrested by the Prescott Police Department for an alleged DUI on March 19th
On Wednesday, March 22nd, AZ Supreme Court Chief Brutinel has reassigned Judge Hancock's cases to other judges
The Commission on Judicial Conduct will handle the investigation
The Yavapai County Superior Court will cooperate with the Commission to complete the investigation
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Judge Hancock's cases reassigned while the Commission on Judicial Conduct investigates
YAVAPAI COUNTY, ARIZONA – On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Brutinel issued Administrative Order No. 2023-55. https://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/22/2023-55.pdf. Based on this order, all cases currently assigned to Division 5 of the Superior Court will be reassigned to judges in the Seasonal Pro Tem Division.
Further, the Commission on Judicial Conduct will conduct any investigation it believes appropriate.
Judge John Napper has also issued the following statement: “As the Presiding Judge of Yavapai County, I want the people to know that the integrity of the courts is the highest priority for every judge in this county. Your Superior Court continues to serve the interests of justice with distinction, honor, and integrity. These are and continue to be our top priorities.
"It is a foundational principle of this great nation that no person is above the law. This rule applies equally to judges. I am certain this criminal case will proceed as it would with anyone else. I also believe the Commission on Judicial Conduct will conduct a complete and thorough investigation. The Yavapai County Superior Court is prepared to assist and cooperate with the Commission to complete its work.”
Rules of the Supreme Court of Arizona, Rule 81. Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct.
Rules of the Commission on Judicial Conduct
Follow the Yavapai Superior Court on Twitter: @YavapaiSuperior and on Facebook at Facebook.com/YavapaiSuperiorCourt
To learn more about Arizona’s judicial branch, visit www.azcourts.gov. Follow AZ Courts on Twitter: @AZCourts and on Facebook at Facebook.com/ArizonaSupremeCourt.
