Name: Terry M. Tanner
Title: Judge
Court: Benton District Court
County: Benton
Discipline: Censure
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 09/08/2023
Canons Violated:Canon 1: Rules 1.1 and 1.2
Summary: From an agreed statement of facts, Benton County District Court Judge Terry Tanner stipulated that he violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1 and 1.2, of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Tanner violated the Code by committing the offense of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI) on January 2, 2023. The Commission censured Judge Tanner and recommended to the State Supreme Court that the judge be suspended for 30 days without pay. The Commission ordered him to comply with the terms of his criminal case, recuse from Driving Under the Influence cases during compliance, refrain from the consumption of alcohol, participate as a speaker in three events related to his misconduct, and promptly read the Code. Respondent also stipulated that he will resign from office if he consumes any alcohol in any location, and will self-report the lapse to the Commission. Respondent was previously sanctioned by the Commission for committing DUI. (See In re Tanner, 8889-F-180 (2018).) Respondent further agreed that his current offense violated the terms and conditions of this 2018 disciplinary matter. The State Supreme Court approved the stipulation and imposed a thirty-day suspension without pay.
Case Documents Available:
Supreme Court Order In re Honorable Terry M. Tanner Supreme Court No. 202148-4 filed 11/13/2023.
Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Censure With Recommendation of Suspension filed 9/8/2023.