The Kansas Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments regarding the disciplinary case of former Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.
This follows a disciplinary panel’s finding that Valdez violated the attorney code of conduct nearly a year ago.
Scheduled Hearing Details
The hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on April 1 at the Kansas Judicial Center, located at 301 SW 10th Ave. in Topeka.
The proceedings will be accessible to the public both in person and via the Kansas Supreme Court’s YouTube channel.
Background of the Disciplinary Matter
In April 2024, a panel for the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys recommended that the Supreme Court censure Valdez for “undignified or discourteous conduct” toward Douglas County Chief Judge James McCabria in 2021.
This recommendation came after an investigation into Valdez’s interactions with Judge McCabria shortly after she assumed office.
Valdez’s Plea for Leniency
In response to the panel’s recommendation, Valdez has requested the court to issue, at most, an informal admonition. She contends that extensive media coverage has already served as a form of public censure, adversely affecting her professional and personal life.
Her attorney, Stephen Angermayer, emphasized this point, stating, “DA Valdez has already been severely punished by a form of public censure through the local press.”
Special Prosecutor’s Objection
Special prosecutor Kimberly Bonifas opposes Valdez’s request for a private or informal reprimand. Bonifas argues that such a lenient punishment would not correspond to the public nature of Valdez’s misconduct.
Initially, Bonifas recommended a one-year suspension of Valdez’s law license. In her objection, she noted, “Respondent’s conduct wasn’t privately done, but rather she wrote things to the public in the news and on the Internet, with unlimited viewing.”
Hearing Proceedings
During the upcoming hearing, both parties will have 15 minutes to present their arguments. The session may be extended if the justices have additional questions. A final decision will be rendered by the court at a later date.
Impact on Valdez’s Career
Despite the ongoing disciplinary proceedings, Valdez sought re-election but was decisively defeated in the Democratic primary by Dakota Loomis, who subsequently won the general election.
| Date | Event | Location | Participants | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2025 | Scheduled Supreme Court Hearing | Kansas Judicial Center | Suzanne Valdez, Legal Counsel | Pending Decision |
| April 2024 | Disciplinary Panel Recommendation | Topeka, Kansas | Kansas Board for Discipline | Recommendation for Censure |
| August 2024 | Democratic Primary Election | Douglas County | Suzanne Valdez, Dakota Loomis | Valdez Defeated |
| November 2024 | General Election | Douglas County | Dakota Loomis, Republican Candidate | Loomis Elected as DA |
The upcoming Supreme Court hearing will be a pivotal moment in determining the professional future of Suzanne Valdez. The court’s decision will set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
FAQs
What led to the disciplinary action against Suzanne Valdez?
The disciplinary action stems from allegations of “undignified or discourteous conduct” by Valdez toward Chief Judge James McCabria in 2021, shortly after she assumed office.
When and where is the Supreme Court hearing scheduled?
The hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. on April 1, 2025, at the Kansas Judicial Center, 301 SW 10th Ave., Topeka.
How can the public access the hearing?
The hearing will be open to the public and can be viewed live on the Kansas Supreme Court’s YouTube channel.