- Arizona judge Celé Hancock was pulled over by police in early March and arrested on suspicion of extreme drunk driving – she was sent to jail for a day and fined $1,650
- Judge Hancock has practiced law in Arizona since 1996 and has served on the Yavapai County bench since 2010 – she is no longer a judge due to her sentence
- The incident began when Hancock was found parked outside a convenience store and was subsequently pulled over by a police officer who failed several sobriety tests
An Arizona judge was caught on camera crying in front of police after she was pulled over and arrested on suspicion of extreme drunken driving.
Judge Celé Hancock was arrested by Prescott police in March after receiving a call from a citizen about a possible impaired driver.
Hancock was convicted of driving under the influence in May. She also spent one day in jail and paid a $1,650 fine.
She was admitted to the Arizona bar in 1996 and was first elected to the Yavapai County bench in 2010. However, as punishment for her, Hancock has agreed to give up her gavel and will never serve as a judge in the state of Arizona again.
“The resolution stipulated provides a prompt and final resolution of the pending complaint while protecting the public and the integrity of the judiciary,” the Arizona Supreme Court said.
Arizona judge Celé Hancock was stopped by police in Prescott in early March and arrested on suspicion of extreme drunk driving
The incident began when Hancock was found parked outside a grocery store and was subsequently pulled over by a police officer
Breathalyzer tests showed Hancock initially had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.158%, later tests showed 0.219% and 0.214% – all well above Arizona’s drunk driving limit of 0.08%
Judge Hancock has practiced law in Arizona since 1996 and has served on the Yavapai County bench since 2010 – she is no longer a judge due to her sentence
The move also means the state agency is now ending its investigation into further disciplining Hancock.
Judge Hancock had parked in front of a Safeway supermarket in Prescott before driving off. She was immediately stopped by a police officer.
According to police, Hancock showed signs of drinking and failed several field sobriety tests.
In the body camera video, officers can be heard asking Hancock if she had been drinking.
After initially denying it, she then admits to drinking alcohol and driving, adding that she had a few glasses of wine “a few hours ago.”
Hancock failed several field sobriety tests in front of Prescott police officers
A Prescott police officer stopped them near State Route 89 near Copper Basin Road near the Safeway supermarket just after 4 p.m. on March 19, 2023
After the breath tests, Hancock can be heard mentioning her position of authority
“Do you know I’m a judge here?” Hancock asked police officers. “I don’t want to use that.” I don’t want to use that. I really do not know it.
Hancock has agreed to give up her gavel and will never serve as a judge in the state of Arizona again
But Hancock wasn’t done adding: “I’m just feeling bad; I just had this; I’m the judge here. “I’m just a person like everyone else.”
Breathalyzer tests showed Hancock initially had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.158%, with later tests showing 0.219% and 0.214% – all well above Arizona’s drunken driving limit of 0.08%.
After the tests, Hancock can be heard mentioning her position of authority again to avoid possible charges.
“Do you know I’m a judge here?” Hancock asked. “I don’t want to use that.” I don’t want to use that. I really don’t.’
State law defines extreme drunk driving as drivers with a blood alcohol content of 0.15% or more.
Hancock was cited and later released before being later found guilty.
An Arizona drunk driving judge was caught on camera crying as she admitted to police that she had “a few glasses of wine” after being convicted had made a deal for “extreme” drunk driving