What to Know
- The state's Judicial Qualifications Commission on Monday recommended that Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Stephen Millan be suspended.
- Documents filed with the Florida Supreme Court show that Millan admitted to twice using demeaning language.
- Millan also had a conversation about pending cases with a defense attorney outside the courtroom.
A Florida judge could face suspension and a fine for making racial comments to describe a defendant and members of the public.
The state's Judicial Qualifications Commission on Monday recommended that Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Stephen Millan be suspended for 30 days without pay and pay a $5,000 fine.
Documents filed with the Florida Supreme Court show that Millan admitted to twice using demeaning language. In October 2016, he used a slur to describe a black defendant. In another instance, he referred to friends and family members of a black defendant as "thugs."
Trelvis D. Randolph of the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association is calling for his dismissal from the bench, adding his group is not satisfied with the recommendation the judge be suspended.
"It's very troubling. Those of us who have heard or been called this name not pleased to hear these statements, and we are rightly outraged that this is being used by someone who is a public servant," Randolph said. "We don't feel that he represents the judiciary to where he should be sitting on the bench."
Millan also had a conversation about pending cases with a defense attorney outside the courtroom.
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Millan has apologized for the comments and attended a seminar on racial bias.
The Florida Supreme Court will decide Millan's punishment.
