The Florida Bar v. Bryon R. Aven

Summary

The court approved the referee’s findings that Bryon R. Aven committed professional misconduct during his unsuccessful judicial campaign by making misleading statements that cast the incumbent judge as favoring criminals and disfavoring law enforcement and the State Attorney. It imposed a public reprimand and costs, concluding that the referee’s recommended discipline was reasonable under existing law. The court warned that similar misconduct by a candidate who wins judicial office may warrant a more severe sanction, including suspension.