Sullivan Co. judge suspended by state board after pleading guilty to DUI
SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A Sullivan County Circuit Court Judge was suspended by the state’s Board of Judicial Conduct after he pleaded guilty to a January driving under the influence charge.
According to a March 6 order of suspension from the board, William K. Rogers was stopped by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 2, 2024, due to erratic driving. Rogers, who was a circuit court judge at the time, failed a field sobriety test and was arrested for DUI and cited for violation of implied consent law.
Rogers self-reported his arrest to the board of judicial conduct the next day and pleaded guilty to DUI first offense on Jan. 5. The board wrote his implied consent charge was dismissed.
The order notes Rogers also underwent an evaluation for substance abuse, and on Feb. 21, the board was notified that the evaluation found Rogers did not require treatment for a substance abuse problem.
An investigative panel authorized a full investigation into Roger’s conduct on Feb. 23. Four days later, Rogers was informed that his conduct had violated several Tennessee codes for judicial conduct. Those violations included complying with the law, acting at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence, engaging in activities that interfere with a judge’s duties and taking part in personal activities that would undermine a judge’s integrity.
The board’s analysis of the investigation noted that judges must always act in an appropriate manner that promotes the confidence of the public in a judge’s independence, integrity and impartiality.
“Judges are also expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and dignity of judicial office in both their professional and personal lives,” the board wrote.
The board also noted that a judge should display respect for the law and its administration.
“When any judge, but especially a judge who adjudicates substance abuse matters and traffic violations such as Judge Rogers, is convicted of DUI or a related offense, respect for the judiciary and the administration of justice suffers. Clearly, the public is more likely to respect and have confidence in the integrity and quality of justice administered by a judge if the judge has complied with the same standards of conduct he or she is responsible for applying to others. A judge convicted of DUI, or any other crime, does not inspire such confidence.”
Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct
Rogers was suspended for 30 days by the board. During the suspension, Rogers is not allowed to use any judicial power or authority.
The order was signed by board chair Judge G. Andrew Brigham, the investigative panel, Rogers and his attorney and the disciplinary counsel.
Rogers has served as a circuit court judge in Sullivan County since 2017.
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