A Broward County judge could face a public reprimand from the Florida Supreme Court after he tried to help a friend arrested on a domestic violence charge.

Documents filed Friday by the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission said Judge Woody Clermont went on April 11 to a Broward County courtroom, where the friend was making a first appearance on the charge. Clermont provided what was described as "mitigating information" about the friend to a prosecutor and the presiding judge, according to the filings.

"While present at his friend's first appearance, Judge Clermont acted as an attorney by advocating on behalf of the defendant and created the appearance of impropriety by providing character testimony, lending the prestige of his judicial office to advance the private interests of

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