Del. Supreme Court nominee pleads guilty to reckless driving alcohol related
DOVER, Del. – 47 ABC News has learned that Governor John Carney’s Supreme Court nominee, N. Christopher Griffiths, pleaded guilty last month for reckless driving alcohol related.
According to court documents, Griffiths was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol back on January 30th. Griffiths pleaded guilty in the Court of Common Pleas on March 21, 2023 to the lesser reckless driving charge.
As a result, Griffiths was ordered to pay a $100 fine. He was also sentenced to 30 days in jail with the jail-time suspended for 11 months of probation during which he must complete an alcohol rehabilitation program.
Given that the nomination comes just a couple of weeks after the conviction, we reached out to the Governor’s Office who issued the following statement, calling what happened a “serious mistake” but at the same time praising Griffiths’ legal work and accomplishments.
“Chris Griffiths is an extraordinarily talented lawyer who is eminently qualified to serve as a Justice on Delaware’s Supreme Court,” explained Emily Hershman with Governor Carney’s Office. “He’s been a partner at a major Wilmington law firm for the past six years, and a leader in the community. Chris made one serious mistake but had no similar conduct in his past, which was an important consideration. The Governor has full confidence in Chris’ ability to serve the State of Delaware with distinction.”
Our news department has reached out to Griffiths who has yet to respond to multiple requests for comment.
Griffiths was nominated earlier this month to serve as Supreme Court Justice alongside the Honorable Abigail LeGrow. If confirmed, the two nominees will take the seat formerly held by Justice Tamika R. Montgomery-Reeves and the seat to be opened upon the retirement of Justice James T. Vaughn, Jr..
Griffiths is a partner at Connolly Gallagher LLP focusing on administrative and government law; corporate and commercial litigation; bankruptcy law; and general litigation. Before entering private practice, Mr. Griffiths served as a wealth manager for the Wilmington Trust Company and the Vanguard Group. Chris received his J.D. from Villanova University School of Law. He is a graduate of the University of Delaware and Salesianum High School.
Griffiths’ nomination will now be considered for confirmation by the Delaware State Senate.
