Attorney General John Formella said he was disappointed that the New Hampshire Supreme Court would lift Justice Barbara Anna Hantz Marconi’s administrative leave the same day she pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of criminal solicitation.

The charge stems from Hantz Marconi soliciting then-Gov. Chris Sununu “to secure a governmental privilege and/or advantage” in an investigation into her husband, Geno Marconi, director of the Division of Ports and Harbors in the Pease Development Authority.

After the plea, the state Supreme Court issued an order rescinding Hantz Marconi’s administrative leave. If she is readmitted to the practice of law, she can resume her duties on the court, according to order.

“That is not a decision that we expected, not a decision we were aware would happ

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