BEFORE THE FLORIDA JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION STATE OF FLORIDA

INQUIRY CONCERNING JUDGE ) WILLIAM SINGBUSH )

No. SC 11-905

STIPULATION

The Investigative Panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (the Panel) and the Honorable William Singbush (Respondent), pursuant to Rule 6(j), Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission Rules, and agree as follows: Findings 1. Respondent through his pleadings and responses to requests for

admission has admitted and by this Stipulation again admits: a. Since his election in 1991, Respondent has been habitually tardy for hearings, first appearances and trials for which he was the presiding judge; b. When tardy, the Respondent was often tardy for more than 15 minutes; c. The Respondents tardiness inconveniences and economically burdens lawyers, litigants and the judicial system;

d. The majority of the times Respondent was late to Court were without good cause. e. Respondent stated at side bar: I dont know of anybody thats made a mistake and except for perhaps one, and for that we murdered him. You know, he was faultless and we murdered him for it. Thats not politically correct but I happen to believe in GodChrist is the intercessor. 2. Since September 2011, Respondent has provided written weekly logs

to Special Counsel for the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission demonstrating timeliness by Respondent in his attendance at Court proceedings. 3. The Panels investigation revealed that the religious remark

referenced above was an isolated incident. 4. Respondent admits his conduct violated Canons 1 (A judge should

participate in establishing, maintaining, and enforcing high standards of conduct, and shall personally observe those standards so that the integrity and independence of the judiciary may be preserved.), 3B(4) (A judge shall be patient, dignified, and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers, and others with whom the judge deals in an official capacity.) and 3B(8) (A judge shall dispose of all judicial matters promptly, efficiently, and fairly.) of the Code of Judicial Conduct.

5.

Respondent denies the charge concerning his misuse of a NCIC

report. The investigation conducted by the Panel revealed that the Respondent did not act improperly in connection with the NCIC report. Recommendation 6. Respondent and the Panel agree the interests of justice and sound

judicial administration will be served by the following procedures and discipline, which the Panel hereby recommends and to which Respondent agrees: (i) (ii) Respondent may retain his position as Circuit Judge; Respondent shall sign and provide to the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission a letter of apology to the public, his fellow judges, and the legal community for his tardiness, which letter the Commission may distribute to the public. A copy of the form of this letter is attached as Exhibit 1; (iii) Respondent shall personally appear before this Court to receive a public reprimand at a date and time to be determined by this Court; (iv) Respondent shall continue to provide written weekly logs to the Special Counsel for the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission documenting timeliness by Respondent at Court proceedings. These logs shall be provided for one year after this stipulation is accepted by this Court; and

(v)

Respondent agrees that if any future complaints of tardiness or inappropriate religious statements are made against Respondent, that this proceeding can be re-opened.

7.

Respondent and the Panel acknowledge and understand this

stipulation and the recommendations of discipline contained herein are subject to the review and approval of this Court, and may be rejected by this Court. If the stipulation and recommendations of discipline are rejected by this Court, this matter may be returned to the Hearing Panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission for a formal plenary hearing. In such event, Respondent and the Panel agree that neither the statements in this stipulation, nor any of the negotiations thereto, are admissible for any purpose in the final plenary hearing, and are made exclusively for the purpose of resolving this proceeding. Respondent and the Panel further agree this stipulation is not admissible for any other matter, proceeding, or purpose. 8. Respondent and the Panel agree that oral argument before this Court

and briefing of this proceeding are not necessary in light of the record, the nature of the charges, and the contents of this stipulation, unless this Court orders otherwise. Respondent knowingly and voluntarily waives his right to any further hearings or other proceedings if this Court accepts this stipulation and these recommendations of discipline.

INVESTIGATIVE PANEL OF THE FLORIDA JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION

By: /s/ E. Lanny Russell E. Lanny Russell Michael Schneider, Jr. Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission Florida Bar Number 525049 1110 Thomasville Road Tallahassee, Florida 32303 (850) 488-1581 (850) 922-6781 (facsimile) Special Counsel to the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission Florida Bar Number 303097 225 Water Street, Suite 1800 Jacksonville, Florida 32202 (904) 359-7700 (904) 359-7708 (facsimile)

JUDGE WILLIAM SINGBUSH

By: /s/ William H. Phelan, Jr. William H. Phelan, Jr. Florida Bar Number 273805 Bond, Arnett, Phelan, Smith & Craggs, P.A. Post Office Box 2405 Ocala, Florida 34478 (352) 622-1188 (352) 622-1125 Attorneys for William Singbush

Exhibit 1