Republican IN Superior Court Judge William Hughes Arrested in NC for Drunk Driving & Driving Left of Center

Hamilton Superior Court Judge William Hughes, who is a Republican, was arrested on a drunken-driving charge last week during his vacation in North Carolina's Outer Banks, according to the Indianapolis Star. Er, someone appointed to uphold the law is breaking the law. This is the same judge who is presiding over the Carmel High School basketball hazing cases and former money manager Marcus Schrenker's divorce, according to the IndyStar. Yeah, a real winner!

Judge Hughes, 55, was charged in Currituck County with drunken driving and driving left of center, according to IndyStar. The matter has been reported to the Judicial Qualifications Committee for further review.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan. 24. The drunken-driving charge is a misdemeanor, and driving left of center appears to be a traffic infraction. The Republican judge has presided over Hamilton Superior Court 3 since 1997. His term will expire at the end of 2012. According to Indiana's disciplinary rules for attorneys and judges, Hughes could be punished for "conviction of any felony, or any crime which involves moral turpitude or conduct that adversely affects the ability to perform the duties of judicial office." Punishment ranges from reprimands and fines to suspension and removal. Source: IndyStar

I would venture to say, Judge Hughes wouldn't have an issue throwing someone behind bars for what he is accused of doing. Shameful. Absolutely shameful.