Appeals court finds no bias in circuit judge's remark

MIDLAND (AP) -- A Midland County judge who told a lawyer, "screw you," still is allowed to handle a criminal case involving the attorney's client. In a 2-1 decision, the Michigan appeals court this week refused to disqualify Judge Jonathan Lauderbach from the case of a man who is charged with causing a death in a car wreck. During a discussion in chambers last year, Lauderbach told attorney Jason Gower that his client could get a minimum prison sentence of 10 years if he pleaded guilty or 19 years if he went to trial. When Gower objected, the judge screamed, "screw you." Lauderbach says he regrets the remark, which satisfied two judges on the three-judge panel at the appeals court. Gower will ask the Supreme Court to disqualify Lauderbach. The judge declined comment. Published: Fri, May 6, 2011