Darrell Fisher Suspended

Darrell Scott Fisher, a West Greenville, South Carolina summary court (magistrate) judge, was suspended for 30 days by the South Carolina Supreme Court after admitting to improper ex parte communication during a June 24, 2024 restraining-order hearing. The court found that Fisher repeatedly used the defendant's first name during the hearing and stated on the record that he had known the man for about 30 years. After the plaintiff and her witnesses were released from the courtroom, Fisher privately spoke with the defendant about the case outside the plaintiff's presence — conduct the court found violated multiple provisions of South Carolina's Code of Judicial Conduct, including the requirements to avoid even the appearance of unfairness and to remain neutral. Fisher agreed to the discipline and admitted wrongdoing. The Supreme Court noted this was not his first infraction: he had previously received a letter of caution in 2008 for conduct involving similar rules. The suspension began March 18, 2026, and he was also ordered to pay the costs of the investigation.