A Florida judge in the Anna Nicole Smith case faces a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge after being arrested for allegedly smoking pot in a park.
Broward County, Fla., Circuit Judge Lawrence Korda, who handled a part of the paternity case over Smith's 6-month-old daughter, was not arrested but issued a notice to appear in court April 26, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said Monday.
Records show no previous legal problems for Korda, so he could qualify for a first-time offender pre-trial diversion program, legal experts said. The allegation, however, could result in a Judicial Qualification Commission complaint and possible discipline, the Sun-Sentinel said. It was unclear whether Korda, a family court judge, would remain on the bench while the charge is pending.
The incident occurred Sunday in a Hollywood, Fla., park when three police officers exercising in the park noticed Korda smoking a marijuana cigarette. The judge, who lives in Hollywood, was cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession, which police records showed as one cigarette.
The officers did not know who Korda was until they asked his profession.
"He at no time asked for preferential treatment," Hollywood police spokesman Capt. Tony Rode said.