An Illinois Hearing Board has recommended a stayed suspension and probation of an attorney for misconduct that took place while defending himself pro se in a small claims action.

The misconduct involved his criticism of the judge in a motion, as recounted in the report:

Judge  Leonhard “demanded that Defendant provide an answer in open court as to his  social security number;”

Judge Leonhard by his “continual interrupting of Defendant [was] thereby purposely manipulating the record;”

Judge  Leonhard made a “deliberate effort to destroy Defendant’s case;”

Judge  Leonhard gave Defendant “an introductory lesson in the abusive powers of the  Judge;”

The  “proceeding was basically a sham;”

Judge  Leonhard “made sure the Defendant got neither his testimony nor argument on the  record;”

Judge  Leonhard attempted “to falsify the record;” and

Judge  Leonhard left the courtroom “allowing the door to close behind him, returning  some time later, while the process server was on the stand giving his direct  testimony.”