In the Matter of Michael P. Burns (JQC Public Reprimand)

Summary

The Nebraska Commission on Judicial Qualifications issued a public reprimand to County Judge Michael P. Burns for conduct that violated the Nebraska Code of Judicial Conduct and applicable statutes. The Commission found that Burns improperly used his judicial position to intervene in a misdemeanor charge involving a personal acquaintance, creating a conflict of interest and abusing the prestige of his office. Mitigating factors, including his lack of prior discipline and remorse, led the Commission to limit discipline to a reprimand.