MIAMI, FL — A former Miami-Dade County Circuit judge, Mike Mirabal, may be marked by twenty years of membership in the Florida Bar this December, but his career descends into ignominy following a recent disbarment order. The Florida Supreme Court issued a stern rebuke, discharging Mirabal on grounds of “deliberate dishonesty,” echoing concerns of long-standing unethical behavior in his roles within the legal field.
The troubles trace back to Mirabal’s efforts to secure a judicial post. His disbarment specifically roots from discrepancies and misconduct during his electoral campaign for a county judge position in 2018 and the subsequent elections. Investigations led by the Florida Bar clarified that he reported in excess of $110,000 in campaign contributions, a stark contrast to the actual $28,335 raised, misleading the public and authorities.
Continuing his judicial aspirations, Mirabal sought a vacancy in 2019 and reran in 2020, neglecting to disclose a substantial Monroe County foreclosure in his financial disclosures for both years. This omission, nearly $532,100 in debt, raised questions about his transparency and integrity, pivotal attributes for a position of judicial responsibility.
Despite the financial irregularities, he was initially successful and secured his position on the bench on January 5, 2021. However, the fallout from his questionable campaign practices and undisclosed financial history pressured him to resign just months later on April 20, 2021.
Further complicating Mirabal’s professional life, an incident in October 2021 saw him arrested for allegedly menacing a neighbor at gunpoint in Coral Gables, an event that only intensified scrutiny regarding his temperament and suitability for public office.
The Bar’s grievances extended beyond financial missteps, touching on personal misconduct. A notable grievance lodged by Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Milena Abreu triggered a whirlwind of accusations, portraying Mirabal as someone who possibly used intimidation tactics against his peers.
Faced with mounting evidence of wrongdoing, Mirabal offered a conditional guilty plea during the Florida Supreme Court hearings, admitting mistakes but describing them as “entirely unintentional.” His defense pleaded for leniency, arguing that disbarment was excessively harsh and that a lengthy suspension might better serve justice. However, the court held firm, detailing in a 37-page opinion that Mirabal repeatedly certified false campaign finance reports and made material misrepresentations in his judiciary application, along with displaying misconduct during the disciplinary proceedings.
While Mirabal’s legal career faces an indefinite halt, his complex journey underscores the stringent ethical scrutiny individuals in the judiciary are held to, reflecting the broader expectations for transparency and honesty in positions of power. The controversy surrounding his career also prompts a closer examination of electoral processes within judicial systems, highlighting the need for rigorous oversight to preserve public trust in legal institutions.