As a judge, M. Keith Blankenship made a solemn promise to uphold the law and protect the integrity of Virginia’s judicial system.

His two recent arrests cast serious doubt on his ability to fulfill those promises. He should step down.

We do not make such a call lightly. Blankenship, 43, a Wythe County juvenile court judge and former prosecutor, hasn’t been convicted of anything. He has the undeniable right to vigorously defend himself in court against charges of drunken driving and hit-and-run.

Yet, as a judge he must adhere to a higher standard of conduct. He must be above reproach.

To quote the Virginia Canon of Judicial Conduct, "Public confidence in the judiciary is eroded by irresponsible or improper conduct by judges. ... Actual improprieties under this standard include violations of law."

The Canon of Judicial Conduct draws no distinction between improper or irresponsible acts on the bench or in a judge’s private life. Both can damage a judge’s reputation so seriously that the public no longer has faith in his or her ability to administer justice.

Blankenship has reached that point. A single arrest is troubling enough, but two arrests signal a potentially serious problem. In this case, that problem might involve alcohol – a stubborn adversary that has ruined many promising careers.

Blankenship’s first arrest came March 1 after police stopped his car on Interstate 81 in Smyth County. Police said Blankenship was driving erratically and refused to submit to a blood alcohol test – a requirement in Virginia. He was arrested on charges of drunken driving and violation of the state’s implied consent law. For refusing the blood alcohol test alone, Blankenship will be required to forfeit his driver’s license for a period of time.

Blankenship was free on bond in the first case when he was arrested Saturday on a hit-and-run charge. The April 27 incident happened in Powhatan County. Police alleged Blankenship swerved off a rural road, struck a telephone-line box and drove through a yard and caused "substantial damage."

Officials won’t say whether alcohol was a factor in the second incident, but Blankenship’s behavior seems to raise the question. Why flee the scene if one has nothing to hide?

Blankenship was still presiding over juvenile court matters last week but apparently has taken a temporary leave from the bench since his second arrest. He goes to trial on the first set of charges later this month. At a minimum, he should hear no more cases until that time.

As a juvenile court judge, Blankenship presides over matters involving teenage law breakers. Some of them face very similar charges to Blankenship. How can he possibly preside in such cases without opening himself up to charges of hypocrisy? Young lawbreakers aren’t likely to respect do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do justice; it won’t help them make the necessary changes to get their lives back on track.

Blankenship’s continued presence on the bench casts an unnecessary cloud over the state’s judicial system. He should have the grace and dignity to step aside and resolve his personal problems before seeking a professional second act.

If he does not step down, the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission should bench him until his criminal cases are resolved. Then, if he is convicted, the panel should remove him.