Robert “Bert” Guy Jr., a Georgia Superior Court judge and president of the Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges, was arrested early Tuesday morning in Jacksonville, Florida, following a minor collision and alleged driving under the influence.
The incident occurred in the parking lot of Wacko’s Gentlemen’s Club, where Guy reportedly backed his Mercedes-Benz into a Ford F-150.
Police reports indicate that the 48-year-old judge offered the truck’s owner $500 to avoid exchanging insurance and personal information.
Witnesses said Guy appeared “highly intoxicated” and could not operate his vehicle safely, prompting club staff to intervene and guide him back into a parking spot to prevent further danger, News4JAX reports.
While inside, he handed over his keys and phone to staff to prevent further risk. Officers documented minor property damage to both vehicles, including a dent in the rear of Guy’s Mercedes and front bumper damage to the Ford F-150.
When law enforcement arrived, officers observed clear signs of impairment, including slurred speech, red and watery eyes and confusion when answering questions.
Guy also refused to provide identification and declined a breathalyzer test at the Duval County Jail.
He was charged with DUI, DUI-property damage and refusal to submit to a breath test. He was released on a $3,000 bond.
Following his arrest, Guy self-reported the incident to Georgia’s Judicial Qualifications Commission, the agency responsible for overseeing judicial conduct in the state.
He also resigned from his position as president of the Council of Superior Court Judges.
“It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve the Council of Superior Court Judges as President and in other roles; however, today I am resigning effectively immediately as Council President,” Guy said in a statement, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Guy was first elected as a Superior Court judge in 2016 and has presided over cases in Georgia’s Brunswick Judicial Circuit, which includes Glynn, Camden, Wayne, Appling and Jeff Davis counties.
As council president, he represented Georgia’s superior court judges during legislative sessions and served on the Judicial Council of Georgia, advocating on behalf of the state judiciary.
The arrest has sparked broader discussions about the standards of accountability expected from judges and other public officials, emphasizing how personal conduct can reflect on the integrity of the judicial system.
Guy has retained legal counsel in Florida to handle the pending charges.
The Judicial Qualifications Commission confirmed that an investigation into his conduct is underway.
This case highlights the scrutiny applied to high-ranking judicial officials involved in alleged criminal behavior, especially when incidents cross state lines.
Observers say the matter may influence public perceptions of judicial accountability and ethics, emphasizing that judges in prominent positions are expected to model lawful and responsible behavior, and any deviation can shape public confidence in the judiciary.
Critics argue that such behavior undermines confidence in the judiciary, while supporters emphasize the importance of due process and legal representation.
The case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities held by elected legal officials and the expectations for personal conduct, both on and off the bench.
