According to an investigation by RealNewsRealFast and The DAF Report, Hernando County Judge Kurt Hitzemann has violated the Florida Judicial Code of Ethics. Judge Hitzemann's ability to remain impartial while ruling on domestic violence cases is not possible due to his direct affiliation with the non-profit women’s advocacy group the Dawn Center. Judge Hitzemann is a member of the board of directors and rules on the majority of domestic violence cases; the Dawn Center advocates work directly with alleged victims of DV in both a criminal and civil capacity. They provide legal advice to alleged victims and act as a liaison for the state during court proceedings. In most cases Judge Hitzemann orders defendant’s, as an alternative to jail time, probation and batterer’s intervention class. This offer is presented as leniency by the judge, but defendants are not aware that portions of their fees each month go directly to the Dawn Center. The Dawn Center benefits financially from this relationship by receiving forced proceeds; Judge Hitzemann benefits by receiving the majority of the female vote, thus solidifying his re-election. Due to this clear conflict we are petitioning the community in an attempt to gain support to request the removal of Judge Hitzemann from the bench. http://www.realnewsrealfast.com/article.php/did-judge-hitzemann-violate-ethics-rules-who-really-decides-your-fate-15636 http://www2.hernandotoday.com/news/news/2012/feb/04/hanewso1-judges-role-in-domestic-abuse-cases-quest-ar-354953/?referer=http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhernandotoday.com%2Far%2F354953%2F&h=9AQE00MTTAQFCVqC_oX0uuiQ4lulZeKbv-lkDlMn7nlQkug&enc=AZNBYX8cvxUv-f1gOh1-OhsgDu1hdpQjmaFMBVdOsDPGyC4Nbd5TtszjZdtSSGCj9MKKAcfQ12MgxzifqdGKoihf&shorturl=http://bit.ly/yEoua5