INTEGRITY COMPROMISED

I have over 20 years of practice before the judges of the 86th District
Court. Particularly in drug cases, defense counsel utilizes substance abuse
evaluations, an understanding of the process and hopefully some skill in
obtaining a fair result from the law enforcement system.

The system is comprised of the attorney, the police, the prosecutor,
probation staff and, ultimately, the judge.

Integrity is the essential ingredient. To the extent integrity is
compromised, anti-social behavior is fostered, not deterred. Judge
Gilbert's confession of criminal conduct by participation in a public
demonstration of marijuana possession and consumption poisons his
participation in the system.

He is disqualified from being a judge forever. The Michigan Code of
Judicial Conduct dictates that judges must personally observe high
standards of conduct so that the integrity and independence of the
judiciary may be preserved. Judge Gilbert should permanently resign.

He owes it to our children.

Respect for the law is the hallmark of our system of justice.

Holding judicial office to sit in judgment of others is our society's
highest honor. I recall that Chief Judge Haley, while knocking on doors
campaigning for his job, discovered growing marijuana on someone's porch.

He gained public recognition for subjecting the owner to criminal
prosecution. Whoa! Judge Gilbert's colleagues and superiors owe the
community a duty to evict him as do the attorneys who practice in the 86th
District Court. I have processed 465 orders of judge disqualification in
the 86th District Court. If advice is needed, I am available. The stench of
disgrace in the 86th District Court continues while Tom Gilbert is a judge.

Joseph Aprea

Traverse City