Virginia Judge Arrested for Public Intoxication Just Weeks After Taking Bench

Judge Charles F. Koehler Jr. finds himself on the other side of the "v" as he is charged with public intoxication.Photo byBreaking Through News

Written by: Sam Orlando

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA - In an unexpected turn of events, Charles F. Koehler Jr., a newly appointed judge of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in Loudoun County, Virginia, was arrested early Saturday morning on suspicion of public intoxication. The arrest occurred just over a week after Koehler was officially sworn in to the bench within Virginia’s 20th Judicial Circuit.

Incident Overview

According to the Leesburg Police Department, the incident took place on August 31, 2024, at approximately 1:30 a.m. Officers were dispatched to the Leesburg Bypass near South King Street after receiving multiple reports of a suspicious individual walking along the roadway. Upon arrival, police identified the individual as Judge Koehler. Based on their observations, officers arrested him on suspicion of public intoxication, a misdemeanor in Virginia.

Notably, there has been no confirmation from the police that Koehler's intoxication was verified through a blood alcohol test or any other objective measure. The arrest was made solely on the officers' assessments at the scene, raising questions about the basis for the charge.

Questions Raised by the Arrest

The public announcement of charges against a sitting judge, especially one who has barely begun his tenure, is unusual—particularly in the absence of confirmed evidence of guilt. Some observers may view this as an example of transparency by the police. However, others might see it as potentially indicative of underlying tensions, particularly given Koehler’s approach to his judicial duties.

Koehler, who began his six-year term as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court judge on July 1, 2024, has emphasized helping individuals during their most difficult times rather than focusing solely on punitive measures. This philosophy may contrast with more traditional views within the justice system, leading some to speculate about possible friction between Koehler and law enforcement.

Background on Judge Koehler

Judge Koehler has been practicing law in Leesburg since 2006, specializing in family law and other related legal matters. He was appointed to the 20th Judicial Circuit by the Virginia General Assembly earlier this year and was sworn in during a ceremony on August 23, 2024, at the Charles Hamilton Houston Courthouse in Leesburg.

During the swearing-in, Koehler expressed his dedication to helping people during challenging times and his commitment to continuous self-improvement. “I will never stop seeking to improve,” he told the Loudoun Times in an interview before his swearing-in. “That’s what I want to bring to the bench.”

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The arrest of a sitting judge is an unusual and significant event, particularly for someone so newly appointed. The incident has sparked discussions within the community about the pressures and responsibilities that come with judicial positions, and how these can impact individuals both professionally and personally.

Leesburg Police spokesperson Michele Bowman confirmed the details of the arrest but noted that no further information is available at this time regarding the specific circumstances that led to the incident. The charge of public intoxication, while a misdemeanor, is still a serious matter, particularly for a public official.

As this situation unfolds, many are awaiting further statements from Judge Koehler or his representatives. It is unclear at this point how this incident may affect his position on the bench or if any disciplinary actions will be taken.

Conclusion

The arrest of Judge Charles F. Koehler Jr. raises important questions about accountability and the personal challenges faced by those in positions of public trust. As more details emerge, the community and legal professionals alike will be watching closely to see how this incident is addressed by the judiciary and the broader legal community in Loudoun County.

This story is developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.