The Alabama Ethics Commission found probable cause that Cullman County District Court Judge Kim Chaney violated the state ethics law by appointing his son, an attorney, to criminal cases, Ethics Commission Executive Director Tom Albritton said.

The commission's decision, which came on Wednesday, refers the matter to the state attorney general's office.

Lance Bell, an attorney for Chaney, released a statement today:

"We are confident that Judge Chaney will be cleared and exonerated once the true facts are presented in this matter. We look forward to presenting those facts."

The commission found probable cause that Chaney violated code of Alabama 36-25-5, which says, in part, that public officials cannot use their offices to benefit themselves or a family member.

The Alabama Political Reporter was the first to report the decision. Chaney has been a district judge in Cullman County since 1993.

Updated at 5:05 p.m. to add statement from Chaney attorney Lance Bell.