Panel recommends Judge Gisele Pollack be removed from bench

Broward County judge currently on suspension after taking bench while drunk

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A state judicial panel has recommended that Broward County judge Gisele Pollack be removed from the bench permanently following numerous incidents involving alcohol, including appearing in her courtroom while drunk.

The conclusions of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission will now be handed to the Florida Supreme Court where a final decision on Pollack's future will be determined.

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Pollack was suspended by the Florida Supreme Court in May 2014 after taking the bench while impaired by alcohol twice within a three month period.

Pollack was also arrested on DUI charges after leaving a rehabilitation program and getting into a car accident while drunk in Plantation.

Pollack faced the commission during a hearing November in hopes of regaining her seat.

In their findings, the commission said that while they are mindful of her service to the state as a judge, "we find Judge Pollack presently unfit to remain on the bench. Her past actions simply pose an unacceptable future risk."

Attorneys for Pollack said that the judge has since sought treatment and has claimed to have had a spiritual awakening.

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