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Editor: Bob Battle
Profession: DUI Defense Lawyer

Category: DUI DUIrony

It has been said that the difference between God and a federal judge is that God doesn't think he is a federal judge! For at least one federal bankruptcy judge, the problem seems to be that he liked to think he is a woman. The man with the black robe also had a "little black dress" tucked away in his closet.

Federal judge Robert Somma resigned after being arrested on drunk driving charges when he rear-ended a pickup truck with his Mercedes-Benz February 6 in Newbury, Mass. Neither the judge or the truck driver sustained injury. Offucials believe Somma drove from his home in Boston to New Hampshire since no one knew him in that state.

Case of Missing Identity

But that wasn't all she wrote.

When officers approached the vehicle, they witnessed "hizzoner" powdering his nose while gussied up in a black cocktail dress, fishnet hose and high heels but holding no gavel. The "chamber maiden" kept officers waiting while he fumbled through his purse, pushing aside the lipstick and mascara to find his official picture - the one without the makeup - on his driver's license.

Authorities would not say if there was a precedent in this case. No state "penal code" forbids a man to wear a dress in New England. You just can't be drunk and ram another vehicle in the process.

Was this "honorable" behavior? Apparently the judge-gone-wild didn't think so.

Appointed to the bench by President Bush in 2004, Somma placed himself on immediate leave. The First District Bankruptcy Court announced he will resign on April Fool's Day. That would be April 1, 2008, according to The Daily Press of Newburyport. Mass.

Before trying to drive himself home that night, Somma danced the night away at the Breezeway Pub, known as New Hampshire's "favorite gay and alternative bar," according to the Manchester Union Leader.

Prestigious 31-Year Career Tossed Aside

The judge accepted a plea deal and was given a 12-month driver's license suspension, which could be reduced to six months upon completion of an alcohol awareness program. He paid $600 in fines and penalties but was allowed to keep his party dress and cosmetic accessories.

Gary Wente, the chief administrator of the U.S. First Circuit Courts, said Somma faced no disciplinary action for the incident." We are greatly disappointed at losing him as a judge," he said. "He was a first-class lawyer, a first-class judge and a quality human being." The First Circuit courts comprise Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Puerto Rico.

Before being named judge, Somma had specialized in the areas of bankruptcy and insolvency in private practice for 27 years and served as special assistant attorney general for bankruptcy matters in Massachusetts for 10 years. He taught at Boston University and is a fellow of the American Bankruptcy Institute and the American College of bankruptcy.