Test-tossing judge censured in North Carolina
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March 15, 2012
Wyoming: Judge John W. Totten, III was censured by the North Carolina Supreme Court on March 9, 2012 for disregarding test results in a DWI case.
The 2010 case involved Glenmore Hopkins, whom Judge Totten sentenced to 12 months' probation, a $250 fine and 48 hours of community service for drunk driving. However, according to state law, the punishment should have been more severe. Hopkins' blood alcohol level was .17. Anything higher than .15 requires the offender to have an interlock device installed on their car which tests their breath for alcohol before allowing them to start the vehicle. Totten signed an order to dismiss the rest results, which saved Hopkins from having to use such a device.
The Supreme Court censured Totten for conduct "that brings the judicial office into disrepute."[1] He acknowledged his violation and agreed with the censure, though his reason for tossing the test results remains unknown.[2]
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