A virtual court hearing in Michigan became the scene of a tense exchange when a presiding judge accused another judge of improper conduct for attempting to represent a family member. Circuit Court Judge Cylenthia LaToye Miller appeared before District Court Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt in June to represent Syminee, a relative Miller described as "like a daughter," who was facing a civil infraction for refusing a preliminary breath test.
During the arraignment, Greenwalt questioned Miller's appearance, asking if she was a sitting judge. Miller confirmed she was a judge but stated she was present only in her capacity as Syminee's guardian for a "limited purpose." Greenwalt cited statutes prohibiting acting judges from practicing law in court and declared Miller's actions "wholly improper," stating she would report the conduct to the state bar.
Milan countered that her understanding allowed judges to provide limited representation to immediate family members. She explained that her family had recently experienced significant expenses following their mother's death and she was attempting to resolve the matter quickly without Syminee incurring further legal costs. Miller asserted she had not identified herself as a judge to the prosecutor and requested the hearing be rescheduled so Syminee could retain legal counsel.
Greenwalt stood firm, denying Miller's request to represent Syminee and emphasizing the potential for an "appearance of impropriety." While acknowledging a precedent for judges to offer legal advice to family members, Greenwalt distinguished this from formal court representation. The arraignment was subsequently rescheduled, and Syminee has since retained a new attorney.
Miller, appointed to the Third Judicial Circuit Court in August 2019 and elected to a six-year term in November 2020, is up for re-election in November. This incident follows a previous controversy in 2024 where Miller pleaded no contest to charges related to bringing an unregistered firearm through airport security in Detroit.
It remains unclear if Miller faces any repercussions for her actions during the virtual hearing. The Daily Mail has reached out to both judges for comment.