Alabama Probate Judge Suspended Over Ethics Complaint

An Alabama probate judge was suspended after a judicial ethics complaint accused her of making a racially charged comment and other misconduct. Jefferson County Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard faces seven charges tied to allegations ranging from racial comments to mishandling involuntary commitment cases, the New York Post reported, citing a complaint from Alabama's Judicial Inquiry Commission.

Allegations in the Complaint The complaint alleges that Blanchard's conduct disrupted court operations, made conditions difficult for staff and posed a threat to public safety, 1819 News reported. " The complaint further alleges Blanchard tried to fabricate insubordination and performance concerns against Reid by kicking her out of her office and restricting her access to necessary documents and tools, according to WBRC.

The judge allegedly moved Reid's desk into a cubicle positioned directly before a bailiff as retaliation for her obeying a subpoena.

Blanchard allegedly showed up to court late regularly, the New York Post reported. She did not hear an involuntary commitment hearing for the first nine months of her term as judge, resulting in mentally ill patients remaining in hospitals, the JIC alleged.

Hospital staff allegedly said one patient remained hospitalized for two additional weeks because hearings were postponed or canceled, according to WBRC. The complaint also claimed Blanchard told staff she was late to an involuntary commitment docket because she "had three dogs to walk," 1819 News reported.

" As of January 2026, mental health officers alleged that roughly 120 patients remained in the community and were not able to be committed since Blanchard did not convene hearings in a timely manner as caseloads grew, Inquisitr reported. One probate matter was rescheduled four separate times, the complaint alleged.

Blanchard had not responded officially to the complaint as of May 22, according to WBRC. She was suspended from her post Thursday, according to 1819 News.