AR HB1456

Judges shall be automatically suspended with pay by the Supreme Court when indicted or informed against for a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude, or when they plead guilty/no contest to or are found guilty of such offenses.

A judge may request a hearing within 10 days of suspension to challenge whether the suspension should remain in effect during criminal proceedings.

At the hearing, the judge may have suspension removed by proving by preponderance of evidence that performing judicial duties will not impair public confidence in the judiciary and that charges are not likely to result in conviction.

If a judge's conviction becomes final, removal from office may proceed under § 16-10-410; if conviction is reversed or charges are dismissed, suspension terminates.

The Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission retains authority to determine separate discipline or removal of judges under § 16-10-410 regardless of suspension status.