Mike Nifong now faces three distinct threats to his career: first of course is the NC Bar hearing, which starts next week. Then Judge W. Osmond Smith, who oversaw the process of the case, announced he may have some things he'd like to take up with the D.A. regarding his presentation of the case in his courtroom. And then finally (or at least finally for now), Judge Orlando Hudson has announced he'll conduct a hearing about Nifong which could result in his removal from office. Judge Hudson says he'll do so "almost immediately" after the bar hearing, and regardless of the outcome there, since the appellate process could drag on for some time.
This is a significant victory for Beth Brewer, of Liestoppers fame, who has pushed and prodded Hudson to take some action against Nifong.
It's entirely possible that Nifong could survive all three threats, of course, although it seems unlikely. On a political level, the bar faces challenges to its power from the legislature, where bills to take away its power to regulate the profession await. As a result of the case, the state is a nationwide laughing stock, with prosecutors and defense attorneys alike saying they don't want to, well, be like Mike, on an almost daily basis (search on Nifong - the response is interesting).
If Judge Smith feels that Nifong was dishonest in the discovery process, when he was less than forthcoming about the DNA results, he could come down hard on the D.A.
We have no idea what Hudson is planning, but to take it up "almost immediately" after the bar's hearing is very aggressive.
All things considered, next week is going to be most interesting.