Nassau County district judge resigns due to inappropriate remarks made during court proceedings.
A Nassau County District Judge, William Alan Hohauser, will step down from his judicial role at the end of the year following a state investigation that uncovered his inappropriate comments directed towards prosecutors and court staff. The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced Hohauser’s resignation agreement on June 12, which will permanently bar him from serving as a judge in New York State.
As part of the agreement, Hohauser’s final duties will involve handling landlord-tenant disputes, marking a shift from his previous position in criminal court. This reassignment is designed to facilitate his transition out of the judiciary ahead of his official departure. In light of the incidents that prompted the investigation, Hohauser had reportedly been implicated in making “offensive or otherwise inappropriate” remarks spanning from February 2023 to May 2024, primarily impacting assistant district attorneys in Nassau County.
The Commission on Judicial Conduct underscores that judges are required to maintain a level of decorum that reflects patience, dignity, and respect towards all individuals involved in the judicial process. Commission administrator Robert Tembeckjian emphasized that discourteous conduct not only diminishes morale among staff but also erodes public trust in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
While the specifics of the complaints against Hohauser have not been disclosed publicly, it is noted that the allegations first surfaced in May 2022. Given the rise of such complaints and the ensuing investigation, Hohauser’s relatively low-profile judicial career has taken a significant turn. He has been in the public eye minimally since his election as a district judge in 2016, with one notable case involving a landlord-tenant dispute amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The events leading to Hohauser’s resignation highlight ongoing concerns regarding judicial behavior and accountability. His case serves as a reminder of the expectations placed upon judges to uphold the standards of their office, ensuring a fair and respectful judicial system for all participants. His departure marks a significant moment for the Nassau County judiciary, underscoring the importance of integrity and professionalism in the legal field. As the year comes to a close, the implications of this case may resonate within the broader context of judicial conduct across the state.
Media News Source
