TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Wakulla County judge could receive a public reprimand for telling attorneys, in a moment of frustration, that he \u201cwould like to tell the deputy of pull his gun and shoot all three of you,\u201d according to Florida Supreme Court documents. <\/p>\n
Formal charges were filed against Judge J. Layne Smith, who serves in Florida\u2019s Second Judicial Circuit, after he self-reported his behavior in a September hearing. <\/p>\n
During that hearing, Smith made several \u201cintemperate comments,\u201d including referring to the attorneys as the \u201cgang who cannot shoot straight,\u201d and suggested they work out the issues in the case in an office with \u201cteddy bears and nursery rhyme stories\u201d to \u201cconsole themselves.\u201d <\/p>\n
According to court documents, Smith took responsibility for his conduct and admitted it was inappropriate, during a hearing with the Investigative Panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission.<\/p>\n
The panel is tasked with prosecuting ethical violations by judges. Ultimately, the Florida Supreme Court handles the discipline, though judges and the panel often reach stipulations like they did in this case.<\/p>\n
\u201cJudge Smith has expressed remorse and regrets that his actions have reflected poorly on the judiciary,\u201d court documents read. <\/p>\n
Because of Smith\u2019s cooperation with the investigation and his lack of any prior disciplinary history, the Panel entered an agreement with Smith and recommended a public reprimand. <\/p>\n
A public reprimand is less serious than other options, like a suspension, according to the Florida Bar<\/a>.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n