A Putnam County Family Court Judge has been denied a request to delay disciplinary proceedings against him.
By a vote of 5-0, the state Supreme Court rejected Family Court Judge William Watkins’ request on Thursday.
Judge Watkins’ attorney filed the motion to stay the proceedings Monday because Watkins planned to file for disability and retire.
Instead the Supreme Court will begin hearing oral arguments on February 5 in the case where Judge Watkins is accused of judicial misconduct.
The Court will consider the recommendation from the state Judicial Hearing Board that Watkins be suspended, without pay, until the end of his term three years from now.
The state Judicial Investigation Commission alleges that Watkins delayed rulings, failed to enter domestic violence orders into the state’s tracking system and screamed and cursed at litigants.
Watkins has been on the family court bench since 2002.
