| ► Judge George W. Maxwell, III of Viera, FL; favoritism, ethically unfit |
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Judge George W. Maxwell, III of Viera, FL; favoritism, ethically unfit 
The state of Florida presented George W. Maxwell, III with a law license in 1978.
Prior to ascending to the bench, Judge Maxwell was affiliated in private practice with attorney Jack Platt. In fact, Maxwell’s name appeared on the firm’s letterhead.
The Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) charged George with the following misconduct:
After the Brevard County Sheriff arrested Jack Platt’s sister on domestic violence battery charges, and after she was taken to the County Jail, Jack called Judge Maxwell at his residence and asked him to secure his sister’s release from jail.
Even though the matter wasn’t assigned to him, Maxwell contacted the Sheriff’s Office and authorized her release to the Pretrial Release Program without the benefit of a first court appearance. Maxwell authorized the release even thought she was serving a sentence of five years probation on a controlled substance charge, which made her ineligible for the Pretrial Release Program.
It cannot be disputed that it pays to be a friend of Judge Maxwell. It would be difficult to believe that this was the first time that the Dishonorable George Maxwell engaged in this type of back scratching for past law partners and/or friends.
As a consequence of his misconduct, the apologists for Judicial Misfit sitting on the Florida Supreme Court punished Judge Maxwell by gifting him with a complimentary reprimand.
As we speak (ca. April 2012) Judge Maxwell remains sitting on the 18th Judicial Circuit Court that services Broward and Seminole Counties.
If you’re looking for a favor in the 18th Circuit Court and you know George or one of his law partners, give him a call at his home in order to receive some special treatment.
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