On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the Supreme Court of Ohio accepted the resignation of James Douglas Piergies, a former Montgomery County Municipal Court judge, in light of disciplinary action. Piergies, whose attorney registration number is 0032764, was admitted to the bar on November 7, 1980.
This action follows Piergies’ guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing official business, as reported by AbusiveDiscretion on May 14, 2025. The plea was entered in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court after allegations surfaced that Piergies misused his authority to arrange employment for his son at the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Office.
The Ohio Auditor of State’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) conducted the investigation, revealing that Piergies signed off on transactions that facilitated his son’s employment. The salary, though paid through the Clerk of Courts Office, originated from the Montgomery County Municipal Court.
As part of his plea agreement, Piergies received a 90-day suspended jail sentence, two years of community control, and a $750 fine. He was also required to complete 75 hours of community service and has resigned from his judicial position. Piergies’ indictment occurred in July 2024, which initiated formal scrutiny of his actions.
The Supreme Court of Ohio has ordered that Piergies must cease practicing law in the state and is forbidden from appearing as an attorney in any Ohio court. He is also prohibited from providing legal opinions or advice. Before entering into any employment or consulting relationship with an attorney or law firm, Piergies must ensure the firm complies with registration requirements. He is restricted from direct client contact and handling client trust funds unless specified by Gov.Bar R. V(23)(A)(1).
Piergies is also barred from associating with any law firm where he was a partner, shareholder, member, or employee during the misconduct. He must surrender his certificate of admission to practice law within 30 days of the court’s order, and his name will be removed from the roll of attorneys. Additionally, Piergies is required to reimburse any amounts awarded against him by the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection within 90 days.
Within 30 days of the order, Piergies must notify all clients and co-counsel of his resignation and disqualification, advising clients to seek alternative legal services. He must deliver all client papers and property, regardless of outstanding fees, and refund any unearned fees or expenses. Opposing counsel and adverse parties in pending litigation must be notified of Piergies’ disqualification.
All notices must be sent via certified mail, and Piergies must file an affidavit with the court and disciplinary counsel demonstrating compliance. He must also maintain records of all steps taken to comply with the order and keep the clerk and disciplinary counsel informed of any address changes.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
