YOUR COMMENTS

Although Federal Bankrupcy are the cases that this judge works with, I'm sure he's heard unlimited stories about DWI's while working. A handful of the time however young or old, some people don't learn their lesson until it really comes up and kicks them in the but. Some people really think they are invincible and won't get caught outside of the Breezeway wearing women's clothing until bam you hit another car and oh look, it's a police officer, how awkward. I feel bad for his wife because it's obvious she wasn't aware of this. I also think that the embaressment and punishment he's received and is still receiving, should be enough to learn from this and continue in the Court System. If he's leaving because he doesn't feel he can turn things around then good. However if he wants to make things better, he is a Judge and people respect him so they should accept him and let it pass.
- Katie N, Weare, NH

Obviously Bill Bailey thinks this DWI conviction and odd choice of clothing negatively impact the duties of a BANKRUPTCY court judge...??? Give me a break.
- Aaron, Manchester NH

WOW..I dont know what to think....I wonder what his wife thinks...If she is OK with this, It shouldnt be something that makes you quit your job I think...He is held to a status of being a judge though.....He should of known better....This story is confusing...But to each their own.....I hate that he got into an accident..if he didnt I wouldnt think of him resigning...people do different things..... Its 2008!
Too bad his was an EXCELLENT judge...his record should be accounted for, but I dont know the rules...
- Christine, Manchester

attorney russman - I see you posting alot on this subject here and in other papers and blaming lack of public transportation for DWI - are you serious?? I hope you dont use that one in court... this guy was dwi yes but he was also dressed as a woman and visiting a gay bar, he has serious issues and should not be a judge at all. It has nothing to do with public transportation or a lack of. there are cabs in manchester you know..
- Bill Bailey, epping nh

Honestly, will you people grow up. The Judge admitted his actions and he told the truth up front.

Speaking of the word truth. Your wrath should be directed towards the crooks and liars in Congress and in particular in the White House, not on some cross-dressing Judge.
- Pete, Raleigh, NC

The original news report on the incident made no mention of his costume. The secret life person is not a good fit in these positions. They get confused.
- mike, exeter,nh

Judge Somma's resignation should serve as a strong reminder to EVERYONE that the consequences of a DWI conviction can and often do go FAR beyond just a fine and a loss of license.
- Attorney Ryan Russman, Exeter NH

Why to concern over the UL ruining the judges life. Isn't that the job of Judges? Take off the blinders and look at all the corruption and legislating from the bench currently going on in the courts. NH courts have repeatedly said that false statements made under oath, which was used to strip me of my military pension is not fraud. Judges do not follow the laws currently on the books, both in courts and as shown in this and other incidents, in their personal lives.
- David, Plymouth

I think the Judge made a big mistake in his behavior and what he did. Judges are held to a pretty high standard and there's all sorts of ethical rules, etc. He did the right thing to resign.
- John Dunn, Nashua, NH

Howard Carre of Boston, MA states "Considering he is losing his pension, he's paying a far, far higher price than the average intoxicated driver."

Well Howard, don't forget this is a Judge and he must be held to a higher standard than the average intoxicated driver, wouldn't you think!
- Peter, Concord

Considering he is losing his pension, he's paying a far, far higher price than the average intoxicated driver.

To "S Jenness", there is no evidence that Judge Somma was ever guilty of hypocrisy (unlike Larry Craig). If you know the Bible then you would know that's the worst sin in the eyes of our savior, as that was his most-used insult.

Yet so many here are happy to cast stones - they are severly wanting in the eyes of our savior.
- Howard Carre, Boston, MA

The UL reported the facts of the accident and the arrest. If Judge Somma were dressed as Peter Pan, Santa Claus or a circus bear it would have been just as relevant to the story.
- Chris, Manchester

I just want to know......when is his wife coming home? She's gonna be mad if they are her clothes!!!!!
- C-J, Salem,NH

Ridicule? Admonish? Disgrace?

Since when did reporting the facts of a story qualify as any of the above actions?

The UL did not destroy Judge Somma's career, he did that all by himself. He wasn't arrested for cross-dressing, he was arrested for putting himself and innocent people in danger by driving while intoxicated.
- Bob, Nashua, NH

Shows poor judgment, no? Which is the major requrement of his job.
- jlbrown, Plymouth

if that was not a judge he would not have gotten special treatmnet. put him in jail for 3 monhs because he is a judge, he is suppose to be smarter thrn us regluar folks if him what we would get 12 months with no transportation and a big fine
- bob s, merrimack

Chuck, what exactly did the UL destroy. This guy brought all of it upon himself. I'm not calling this guy a freak, he can do whatever he wants. He broke the law, got caught, now he is paying the price. So I would take a step back when saying we are all narrow minded people.
- Jesse, Candia

Stop confusing being lenient to weirdos with human rights!

There are behaviors and states of being that qualify you to lose your respectability, even if you remain a "good person."

Whether you spend ten hours a day at an airport handing out religious pamphlets, or cross dress in public, or have tattoos of skulls on your face, you are a indiscernible idiot who does not belong in positions of high responsibility. This doesn't make you a bad person, just a goof or jerk or freak. We don't need goofs as judges. Get it? think "Larry Craig."
- S Jenness, york Me

What did the Union Leader do wrong in reporting that a judge drove drunk and was a danger to himself and others?
- Henry, Bedford, NH

Good Job, Union Leader you destroyed another person's life with your bigotted reporting. For all you narrow minded people. This is the land of Freedom. Men are fighting for their lifes for us to have that freedom. For a newspaper to disgrace, ridicule, admonish people because they seem different or don't agree with the union leader way of life. Not just in this case in many other. Is more of a disgrace than what this judge was wearing.
- chuck, derry NH

So what? If that's the worst thing he does in his life he's got it made.
- laurel137, manchester

this judge did the right thing!! why doesn't coffy do the right thing ????
- dennis, manchester