Judge Carmen Mullen Will Face Disciplinary Hearing
The Commission on Judicial Conduct will hold a public hearing on September 29, 2026, regarding alleged judicial misconduct.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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South Carolina Judge Carmen Mullen will appear at a public disciplinary hearing in Columbia on September 29, 2026. The hearing addresses formal charges that she used the prestige of her office to advance private interests during a 2017 incident.
Why it matters
The proceedings address allegations that Judge Mullen acted improperly during a neighborhood dispute involving an individual with mental health issues. While the judge maintains she acted in good faith to assist in a volatile situation, the commission found sufficient evidence to proceed with formal charges.
Judge Carmen Mullen, who has served the 14th Judicial Circuit since 2006, faces charges stemming from a 2017 incident. Public disciplinary hearings of this nature are rare in the South Carolina legal system.
The players
Carmen Mullen
She has served as a judge in the 14th Judicial Circuit since her first election in 2006.
Commission on Judicial Conduct
This body investigates complaints of judicial misconduct and holds hearings to recommend sanctions to the state Supreme Court.
South Carolina Supreme Court
This is the highest court in the state and will ultimately decide on sanctions for the judge based on panel recommendations.
Ernie Lotito
He is a lawyer involved in the 2017 incident that led to the current disciplinary charges against the judge.
The details
Formal charges allege that Mullen approached law enforcement at a scene near her home and offered to sign an arrest warrant for a misdemeanor. The Commission on Judicial Conduct will hear the case before making a recommendation to the state Supreme Court for a final decision on potential sanctions.
Timeline
December 7, 2017: Judge Mullen allegedly engaged in the conduct under review.
2022: The police report regarding the 2017 incident surfaced.
September 29, 2026: The Commission on Judicial Conduct will hold a public disciplinary hearing in Columbia.
November 2026: Judge Mullen is scheduled for screening for a new term.
Legal Context
Public hearings involving alleged judicial misconduct remain rare within the South Carolina legal system. These proceedings function as a formal enforcement mechanism for the standards outlined in the South Carolina Code of Judicial Conduct.
The hearing provides transparency regarding judicial oversight and the conduct expected of officials in the 14th Judicial Circuit. Residents may monitor the proceedings to understand how the state evaluates the actions of its elected judges.
The takeaway
The upcoming hearing highlights the rigorous oversight process that applies to members of the state judiciary. This case underscores the thin line between personal involvement in community disputes and the professional boundaries required by a judicial office.
What happens next
Following the public hearing on September 29, 2026, Judge Mullen is scheduled to undergo screening in November 2026 by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission for a new term.
Further reading
For more information on the standards governing the bench, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MyrtleBeachOnline.
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