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EP 81 Bad Boy
Episode 80: Bad Boy - Show Notes
The JudgeMental Podcast with Hugh and Christine
In this episode, Hugh and Christine dive into a rare public reprimand issued by the Judicial Conduct Commission against Judge Bolton Bevins, who displayed egregious misconduct in his courtroom—particularly toward juvenile defendants. The hosts discuss his pattern of denying due process, arbitrary contempt orders, and his explosive temper that traumatized both defendants and their attorneys.
Episode Highlights
The Public Reprimand
The Judicial Conduct Commission issued a rare public reprimand to Judge Bolton Bevins (14th District: Bourbon, Scott, and Woodford Counties)
The investigation took approximately one year to complete
Judge Bevins agreed to the public reprimand—but Hugh and Christine argue this consequence falls far short of what the misconduct warrants
Pattern of Abuse
Judge Bevins repeatedly held defendants in contempt without notice or hearings
He yelled at juvenile defendants, cutting them off when they attempted to speak
Multiple instances of ordering detention and shackling of minors without due process
One defendant was detained for 11 days without being given an opportunity to respond
Interrupted testimony to hold defendants in contempt with no explanation
Due Process Violations
Constitutional rights routinely violated: notice and opportunity to be heard
Judge told defendants "I don't care" and refused to let them speak
Applied arbitrary punishments based on his mood rather than the law
Treated prosecutor statements as gospel during plea negotiations
Personal Stories from the Trenches
Christine shares her experience as a 25-year-old juvenile public defender in Eastern Kentucky
Hugh recounts witnessing similar judicial misconduct in family court
Discussion of the chilling effect on attorneys who fear speaking out against judicial abuse
The Bigger Picture
Why the self-policing nature of the judiciary is failing
The difference between tough judges and abusive judges
How judicial misconduct particularly impacts public defenders and their clients
The need for real accountability beyond slaps on the wrist
Resources & Links
Judge the Judges:
Website: judge-y.com
Social Media: @Judgingthejudges
Rate and review judges on the Judgy app
Submit Your Stories:
Have you experienced judicial misconduct? Submit your story through the Judgy app or reach out to the hosts.
Related Documents:
The six-page public reprimand report discussed in this episode will be available on the JudgeMental Podcast YouTube channel.
Key Takeaways
A public reprimand is not enough for judges who systematically violate constitutional due process rights
Juvenile defendants deserve protection, not abuse from the bench
The system protects itself through confidential proceedings and slow investigations
Attorneys face real consequences for speaking out against judicial misconduct
Judicial accountability requires transparency—which is why platforms like Judgy are essential
Coming Soon
The hosts tease an upcoming episode about former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin's complicated family court case—a novel legal issue that deserves its own full episode.
Call to Action
Download the Judgy app and rate Judge Bolton Bevins
Share your experiences with judicial misconduct, especially if you're a public defender in the 14th District
Subscribe and follow for more episodes holding judges accountable
Watch on YouTube to see Christine's facial expressions when discussing this outrageous behavior
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Engaging with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the hosts, guests, or their firms. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any law firm, company, or organization. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information presented. Any reliance on the information in this podcast is at your own risk. Laws are constantly changing, and every situation is unique. You should always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for your specific legal concerns.
View all episodes
By Christine Miller, Hugh BarrowEpisode 80: Bad Boy - Show Notes
The JudgeMental Podcast with Hugh and Christine
In this episode, Hugh and Christine dive into a rare public reprimand issued by the Judicial Conduct Commission against Judge Bolton Bevins, who displayed egregious misconduct in his courtroom—particularly toward juvenile defendants. The hosts discuss his pattern of denying due process, arbitrary contempt orders, and his explosive temper that traumatized both defendants and their attorneys.
Episode Highlights
The Public Reprimand
The Judicial Conduct Commission issued a rare public reprimand to Judge Bolton Bevins (14th District: Bourbon, Scott, and Woodford Counties)
The investigation took approximately one year to complete
Judge Bevins agreed to the public reprimand—but Hugh and Christine argue this consequence falls far short of what the misconduct warrants
Pattern of Abuse
Judge Bevins repeatedly held defendants in contempt without notice or hearings
He yelled at juvenile defendants, cutting them off when they attempted to speak
Multiple instances of ordering detention and shackling of minors without due process
One defendant was detained for 11 days without being given an opportunity to respond
Interrupted testimony to hold defendants in contempt with no explanation
Due Process Violations
Constitutional rights routinely violated: notice and opportunity to be heard
Judge told defendants "I don't care" and refused to let them speak
Applied arbitrary punishments based on his mood rather than the law
Treated prosecutor statements as gospel during plea negotiations
Personal Stories from the Trenches
Christine shares her experience as a 25-year-old juvenile public defender in Eastern Kentucky
Hugh recounts witnessing similar judicial misconduct in family court
Discussion of the chilling effect on attorneys who fear speaking out against judicial abuse
The Bigger Picture
Why the self-policing nature of the judiciary is failing
The difference between tough judges and abusive judges
How judicial misconduct particularly impacts public defenders and their clients
The need for real accountability beyond slaps on the wrist
Resources & Links
Judge the Judges:
Website: judge-y.com
Social Media: @Judgingthejudges
Rate and review judges on the Judgy app
Submit Your Stories:
Have you experienced judicial misconduct? Submit your story through the Judgy app or reach out to the hosts.
Related Documents:
The six-page public reprimand report discussed in this episode will be available on the JudgeMental Podcast YouTube channel.
Key Takeaways
A public reprimand is not enough for judges who systematically violate constitutional due process rights
Juvenile defendants deserve protection, not abuse from the bench
The system protects itself through confidential proceedings and slow investigations
Attorneys face real consequences for speaking out against judicial misconduct
Judicial accountability requires transparency—which is why platforms like Judgy are essential
Coming Soon
The hosts tease an upcoming episode about former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin's complicated family court case—a novel legal issue that deserves its own full episode.
Call to Action
Download the Judgy app and rate Judge Bolton Bevins
Share your experiences with judicial misconduct, especially if you're a public defender in the 14th District
Subscribe and follow for more episodes holding judges accountable
Watch on YouTube to see Christine's facial expressions when discussing this outrageous behavior
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Engaging with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the hosts, guests, or their firms. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any law firm, company, or organization. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information presented. Any reliance on the information in this podcast is at your own risk. Laws are constantly changing, and every situation is unique. You should always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for your specific legal concerns.