05/02/2008

Associated Press

Gov. Mike Easley has chosen not to reappoint a Charlotte attorney to a special judgeship in Mecklenburg County.

The Charlotte Observer reported Friday that Special Superior Court Judge Karl Adkins will be replaced by Raleigh lawyer Cressie Thigpen Jr.

Easley spokesman Seth Effron wouldn't comment on why Adkins wasn't reappointed. Adkins also declined comment.

Adkins was selected by Easley in 2005 in to fill the remaining three years of a vacated judgeship. His term ended in December. Adkins built his legal career at a renowned civil rights law firm.

Adkins was placed on probation in March after pleading guilty to DWI. During a traffic stop last year, Adkins' alcohol level was measured at 0.08. State law makes it illegal to drive with an alcohol level of 0.08 or more.

Adkins has said the incident was embarrassing and would never happen again.

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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotte.com