Minton, Burton, Bassett & Collins, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AT LAW CranuesR Burrow ADALUE Stet Jom C. Carsey Davi. Mnetow i, Teas 78701 Swauet E BASSET? Trey CouLNs 12) 4761873 Penny Q. Maro Rick FLorss £(612) 479-8315 JASON ORTEGA Zooey WHARTON wow.aBre.com R.Louts Bearron, oF COUNSEL November 4, 2015 Re: Justice David Lewis and Agreed Motion for Order of Temporary Suspension of Judge PRESS STATEMENT — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Our good friend and recent client, Justice David Lewis of the 5" Court of Appeals, has instructed my law partner, Zooey Wharton, and me to enter into a voluntary agreement with the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct that will result in a minimum six month ‘suspension, without of his position on the 5" Court of Appeals. To be direct, as Judge Lewis insists upon, his voluntary agreement to stand down for a period is a consequence of an unfortunate period in his life that included the abuse of alcohol. Justice Lewis chose to take full responsibility for his situation by seeking out and successfully completing an alcohol treatment Program and remains in recovery. An additional, and very relevant point that his lawyers insist ‘on making, is that there was not a single allegation presented to the Commission, that Justice Lewis was ever under the influence of alcohol while on the job or that any case or issue before the 5" Court of Appeals was impacted in any way by his conduct during the relevant period. This issue was brought to him and the Commission, rightfully so, by his colleagues on the Court prior to any breach of the public's trust by Justice Lewis or the Court at large. Justice Lewis is truly grateful for the compassion and concern of his colleagues and is eager to return to the bench when he is medically cleared after the agreed upon six month suspension.Justice Lewis has been very clear to our law firm on his feeling about being direct and honest with the community that elected him. We hope this statement accomplishes his wishes. However, we have counseled Justice Lewis on the wisdom of leaving some amount of privacy for his children while he navigates the next six months before his anticipated retum to the bench. Sincerely, Perry Minton Zooey Wharton Attorneys for Justice David Lewis