Longtime Judge Accused Of Smoking Pot In Park

From The (Florida) Sun-Sentinel:

Broward Circuit Judge Lawrence Korda is facing a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession after city police officers said they busted him for smoking pot in a Hollywood park Sunday afternoon.

The judge played a role in the Anna Nicole Smith case when he briefly handled a small part of the paternity battle over the former Playboy centerfold’s infant daughter. Korda, 59, was not arrested but was issued a notice to appear on April 26 in the satellite courthouse in Hollywood.

Court and state law enforcement records show no prior legal problems for the judge so he could qualify for a first-time offender pre-trial drug diversion program. But the allegation he used an illegal drug could result in a complaint to the Judicial Qualification Commission and possible discipline, several legal experts said. If the judicial watchdog agency found his conduct violated judicial rules, he could face a reprimand or removal from the bench. Anyone can file a complaint with the commission. Korda could not be reached for comment despite messages left with his judicial assistant and at his chambers Monday. It was not clear if he had hired an attorney. His assistant said he was on the bench Monday presiding over a trial.