In Re Inquiry Concerning a Judge, No. 153, Martin

The Judicial Standards Commission (Commission) notified Judge James E. Martin on 16 April 1991 that it had ordered a preliminary investigation to determine whether formal proceedings under Commission Rule 9 should be instituted against him. The subject matter of the investigation included allegations that the respondent had willfully engaged in the improper practice of convicting defendants of reckless driving in violation of N.C.G.S. § 20-140 when they were charged with impaired driving in violation of N.C.G.S. § 20-138.1.

On 2 October 1991 Special Counsel for the Commission filed a complaint…