Drug Court Magistrate Still Hearing Cases After Taking Plea in His Own Drunken-Driving Case
A Florida lawyer who serves as a magistrate in Duval County drug court is still hearing cases there after taking a plea to a reduced charge in his own drunken-driving case.
John Arthur Sampson III did not take a field sobriety test after being pulled over early this year for swerving. He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving, reports the Florida Times-Union, and was sentenced to eight months of probation and 75 hours of community service.
His driver’s license was also suspended for a year, but he apparently was able to get a permit to drive to work after 90 days, which is a standard accommodation to those sentenced in such cases, according to the article.
“He is doing a fine job for us,” Chief Circuit Judge Donald Moran told the newspaper, explaining why Sampson is not being disciplined at work. “He’s helping us in a number of different ways. He’s a very accomplished magistrate.”
