Dog ordinance violation leads to censure of NYS town judge
A “loose dog” ordinance led to a censure of a town-court justice in Schenectady County recently.
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct determined on Aug. 20 that Judge Michelle A. Van Woeart, a justice of the Princetown Town Court, should be disciplined.
The commission found that Judge Van Woeart:
* Failed to disqualify herself promptly after appearance tickets were issued to her and her sons in a local dog ordinance matter;
* Improperly communicated with the court about which the matters were transferred, and:
* Failing to keep proper records of the violations.