Category Archives: Recent cases

Recent cases

Posted on by
  • The Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for posting on his Facebook page a photograph of a litigant’s request for an extension of time because his puppy ate his paperwork. Williams, Order (Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct March 21, 2022).
  • The California Commission on Judicial Performance publicly admonished a judge for meeting with 2 police detectives who were being investigated for misconduct in a case over which she had presided and sending 2 letters to the police chief on official court stationery about the matter. In the Matter Concerning Meyer, Decision and order (California Commission on Judicial Performance April 5, 2022).
  • Based on the judge’s retirement and agreement not to serve in judicial office in the state, the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission resolved its investigation of a former judge for conduct that failed to promote public confidence in the judiciary and for failing to be truthful during the investigation. In re Inquiry Concerning Brown, Report of disposition (Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission April 4, 2022).
  • Based on the judge’s retirement and agreement not to serve in judicial office in the state, the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission resolved its investigation of a former magistrate judge; the investigative panel had authorized formal charges alleging that the judge had engaged in ex parte communications and independently investigated the facts in a criminal matter pending in her court and used her judicial status to influence determinations in a criminal matter pending in her court involving a family member. In re Inquiry Concerning Dowling, Report of disposition (Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission April 4, 2022).
  • Following a hearing, the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission removed a judge for (1) numerous actions to exert her influence to affect the outcome of her son’s criminal proceedings; (2) creating and failing to disclose conflicts of interest in the appointment of guardians ad litem and in cases involving certain attorneys; (3) retaliating against family services case workers who advocated actions contrary to her views; (4) using her court staff to administer drug tests; and (5) a lack of candor and misrepresentations to the Commission. In re the Matter of Gordon, Findings of fact, conclusions of law, and final order (Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission April 22, 2022), on appeal.
  • The Louisiana Judiciary Commission publicly admonished a judge for 2 campaign ads, one that criticized her opponent and one that stated that a vote for her showed support for President Trump and the Republican party. Public Admonishment of Marchman (Louisiana Judiciary Commission April 26, 2022).
  • The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct removed a judge from office for engaging in professional misconduct as an attorney as evidenced by 2 orders that suspended him from the practice of law in New York for a total of 24 months. In the Matter of Gonzalez, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 13, 2022).
  • Adopting the findings of the Board of Professional Conduct, based on stipulations, the Ohio Supreme Court suspended a judge for 6 months for berating a litigant for nearly an hour during a status conference after the litigant had criticized him at a board of commissioners meeting for not disqualifying himself from cases in which his daughter appeared as an attorney; allowing his daughter “to continue his line of intemperate interrogation;” and appearing at a commissioners’ meeting to accuse the litigant of “publicly disparaging and slandering him and [his daughter];” the suspension was stayed on the conditions that he commit no further misconduct and complete 6 hours of continuing judicial education. Disciplinary Counsel v. O’Diam (Ohio Supreme Court April 28, 2022).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a former judge for failing to cooperate in the Commission’s investigation of complaints against him. Public Admonition of Nolen (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 7, 2022).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly warned a judge for (1) posting and reposting racial, ethnic, and religious comments and/or memes on social media; (2) issuing peace bond warrants for President Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci based on alleged “threats to commit an offense” against multiple anonymous complainants; and (3) lending the prestige of his judicial office to advance the private interests of a charitable organization he had created and soliciting funds for that organization. Public Warning of Black (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 7, 2022).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for (1) during a protective order hearing, ordering an attorney escorted to the jury box where her bailiff shackled him to a chair and then continuing with the hearing; and (2) just over a week later, having a second attorney escorted to the jury box where her bailiff shackled him to a chair and instructing the attorney’s son, who had arrived to represent him, never to come into her courtroom again. Public Reprimand of Stalder (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 20, 2022).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge for his outbursts during the trial in a divorce case and during an ex parte confrontation with one of the lawyers in his chambers; the Commission also ordered the judge to obtain 2 hours of instruction with a mentor. Public Admonition of Wells (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 20, 2022).
  • Pursuant to a stipulation and agreement, the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a former part-time judge for donating to the campaign of a mayoral candidate and introducing the candidate at the campaign kick-off rally. In re Bennett, Stipulation, agreement, and order (Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 22, 2022).
  • Based on a stipulation and agreement, the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge for reckless driving and telling the arresting officers that an arrest would damage his career. In re Imboden, Stipulation, agreement, and order (Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 22, 2022).
  • The West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission publicly admonished a magistrate for (1) making statements to a reporter in response to a police captain’s criticism of his bond in a case and a heated exchange during a meeting with police officers about the criticism; (2) swearing at a police officer during a telephone call about the bond in another case; and (3) asking lawyers who appear before him and a bail bondsman to submit letters in support of him to Judicial Disciplinary Counsel. Public Admonishment of Gaujot (West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission April 25, 2022).
  • The West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission publicly admonished a magistrate for (1) when police officers responded to a neighborhood incident, swearing, invoking his position as a magistrate, making a demeaning stereotypical comment about his neighbor’s wife, and denigrating the homeless; and (2) serving as an administrator for a neighborhood watch Facebook page and an unseemly comment by his wife on that page that people thought the magistrate had posted. Public Admonishment of Weiss (West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission April 25, 2022).
  • The West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission publicly admonished a judge for holding 2 correctional officers in contempt because they asked to contact their supervisor before transporting a prisoner to a different jail. Public Admonition of Murensky (West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission April 25, 2022).

Recent cases

Posted on by
  • Accepting an agreement, the Georgia Supreme Court publicly reprimanded a judge for periodically dismissing cases without the legal authority to do so.  Inquiry Concerning Baker (Georgia Supreme Court March 8, 2022).
  • Reviewing the findings and recommendation of the Judiciary Commission, which were based on stipulations, the Louisiana Supreme Court suspended a judge from office for 4 months without pay for, while presiding over a child custody case, engaging in improper ex parte communications on Facebook Messenger with the children’s maternal grandmother for over a 6-month period; attempting to issue a special order for visitation; and misleading a fellow judge by failing to disclose his personal involvement in the matter and disparaging the grandmother’s attorney.  In re Denton (Louisiana Supreme Court March 25, 2022).
  • Based on the report and recommendation of the Commission on Judicial Conduct, the Massachusetts Supreme Court Judicial Conduct suspended a judge without pay for engaging in an intentionally touching a court employee without her consent at a court-sponsored event and providing inconsistent and knowingly false statements during the investigation and hearing; the suspension was for “a reasonable time to permit the executive and legislative branches to consider, if they wish, whether the respondent should retain his judicial office.”  In the Matter of Sushchyk, 183 N.E.3d 388 (Massachusetts 2022).
  • Based on the report of a referee following a hearing, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a judge for failing to disclose a debt owed to her on her financial disclosure forms from 2006 to 2019 and suggesting to the debtor’s attorney that the debtor sign a confession of judgment or exclude the debt from his bankruptcy filing.  In the Matter of Jamieson, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 11, 2022).
  • Accepting an agreed statement of facts, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a non-lawyer judge for failing to certify to the state Department of Labor all of the days that he had presided as a town justice, and, as a result, accepting unemployment insurance benefits to which he was not entitled.  In the Matter of Okolowicz, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 17, 2022).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that he has vacated his office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded a proceeding against a former non-lawyer judge; the Commission had informed the judge that it was investigating a complaint alleging, inter alia, that the judge (1) at the arraignment of a defendant who identifies as Native American, made snide comments about the defendant’s annuity from the Seneca Nation; (2) failed to file mandatory reports and remittances to the State Comptroller on time; and (3) imposed fines and surcharges outside the limits set in statute.  In the Matter of Schindler, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct March 17, 2022).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that she has vacated her office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded a matter against a former judge; in December, the judge was convicted by a jury of federal charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to a federal agent.  In the Matter of Ash, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct March 17, 2022). 
  • Based on its findings of misconduct, which were based on stipulated facts, the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline removed a former judge and barred him from further judicial service for (1) arbitrarily ordering that a woman be imprisoned for 25 days on a “dubious probation violation charge” out of anger and “on a personal whim” after she offended his law clerk in a disagreement in a convenience store and (2) attempted to intimidate a courthouse employee into signing a confidentiality statement by posting the employee’s private grievance on a public bulletin.  In re Toothman, Opinion and order (Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline March 17, 2022).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge for stating in a Facebook post that he would release anyone brought before him charged with violating stay at home orders or other restrictions issued during the COVID-19 public health emergency.  Public Admonition of Black (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 28, 2022).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for, in 3 family violence cases, intentionally delaying hearings, resetting cases multiple times without just cause, failing to effectively communicate her expectations about procedures and time constraints to waiting court-goers, and repeatedly ignoring attorneys’ requests to obtain case settings or to dispose of their clients’ cases.  Public Reprimand of Mullin (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct March 4, 2022).

Recent cases

Posted on by

  • The Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for failing to grant a continuance requested by an attorney who was experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or to make arrangements to allow the attorney to appear telephonically and then granting a default judgment against the attorney’s client, a defendant in a civil traffic case.  Sears, Order (Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct January 26, 2022).
  • Accepting an agreement, the Georgia Supreme Court suspended a judge for 30 days without pay and ordered that he be publicly reprimanded for engaging in a verbal altercation with a defendant in the courtroom and grabbing him and pushing him against the wall in the hallway.  Inquiry Concerning Hays (Georgia Supreme Court February 1, 2022).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that he has vacated his office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded a proceeding against a former judge; the Commission had been investigating a complaint alleging, inter alia, that the judge had encouraged a minor to have sex with his teenage son, offered her gifts and money in exchange for sexual favors, and provided her with alcoholic beverages.  In the Matter of Wittlinger, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 3, 2022).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that she has vacated her office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded a proceeding against a former judge; the Commission had been investigating a complaint alleging that, in her capacity as the Director of the Office of Justice Court Support, she arranged the hiring of the fiancée of a relative and retaliated against another Office employee for failing to vote with her on an interview panel.  In the Matter of Sunukjian, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 3, 2022).
  • Based on the findings of a referee following a hearing, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge for, from approximately 2015 to 2017 (1) allowing her secretary to help plan her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah and perform other personal tasks for her and (2) allowing her young daughter to frequent the security checkpoint at the courthouse, which interfered with the duties of the court officers.  In the Matter of Polk, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct January 24, 2022).
  • Accepting an agreed statement of facts and joint recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge for, during her campaign (1) posting an invitation to a fundraising event for the county Republican committee 4 times on her campaign Facebook page and (2) approving the content and distribution of campaign literature depicting a sample ballot falsely indicating that one of her opponents in the Republican primary would appear on a ballot line labeled, “Democrat.”  In the Matter of Coffinger, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 23, 2022).
  • Based on its finding of misconduct, which were based on stipulations of fact, the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline publicly reprimanded a former judge for engaging in rude, loud outbursts towards counsel and witnesses in 6 cases.  In re Placey, Opinion and order (Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline February 14, 2022).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly warned a judge for filing 12 campaign finance reports late from January 2006 through July 2021.  Public Warning of Slaughter (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct February 16, 2022).

Recent cases

Posted on by
  • After a hearing on a complaint filed by the Judicial Inquiry Commission, the Alabama Court of the Judiciary suspended a judge for 90 days without pay for “repeatedly disregarding the law as set forth in decisions of the Alabama appellate courts and by defying and disregarding orders and decisions of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, including those ordering her recusal;” “making inappropriate statements regarding the Alabama judiciary,” including statements in an order suggesting that it “is politically corrupt, that court-appointed attorney assignments are based on political contributions to judicial campaigns, and that ‘[a]n appeal to the higher courts in Alabama on behalf of a capital defendant sentenced to death by judicial override is ceremonial at best;” “engaging in extrajudicial factual investigations, by making findings of fact regarding matters as to which no evidence was presented, and by inappropriately inserting legal issues not raised by the parties, thereby abandoning her role as a neutral arbiter and becoming an advocate for defendants, her own judicial rulings, and her personal opinions;” and “questioning an attorney in her courtroom regarding his contributions to her political opponent’s campaign in a matter in which such contributions were not at issue and were not raised by any party.”  In the Matter of Todd, Final judgment (Alabama Court of the Judiciary December 3, 2021).
  • Based on the judge’s resignation from office and his agreement that he will never seek or accept a position involving service as a judicial officer in the state, the Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct closed 3 matters against a judge who stipulated that (1) just over 1 minute into a hearing in 4 related civil protective order cases, he had ordered the petitioner to undergo a competence examination under Rule 11 of the rules of criminal procedure, which does not apply in civil matters; and (2) he had attempted to engage in a personal or extrajudicial relationship with a clerk, creating a work environment that made her feel uncomfortable and was offensive to her.  Inquiry Concerning Eisele, Order (Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct November 17, 2021).
  • The Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for a pattern of yelling at court staff and using profanity; the Commission also ordered the judge to complete a training course that addresses leadership and/or management skills and interpersonal skills with subordinates.  Carroll, Order (Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct November 12, 2021).
  • Based on an agreement, the Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission publicly censured a judge for a verbal confrontation with 3 people about a parking space.  Re Karren, Letter (Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission January 21, 2022).
  • The D.C. Court of Appeals affirmed an uncontested order of the D.C. Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure involuntarily retiring a judge based on extensive and extraordinary delays in cases on his calendar and a mental and or physical disability that is or is likely to become permanent and that prevents or seriously interferes with, the proper performance of his judicial duties.  In re Berk, Order (D.C. Court of Appeals November 4, 2021), affirming.
  • Approving a statement of circumstances and conditional agreement for discipline, the Indiana Supreme Court barred a former judge from judicial service and publicly reprimanded him for allowing the coordinator of the drug court over which he presided to engage in activities in support of the judge’s re-election campaign during work hours and discussing the distribution of a campaign yard sign with a drug court participant in the courtroom and delivering a sign to the defendant.  In the Matter of Miller (Indiana Supreme Court January 21, 2022).
  • Because the respondent filed no exceptions, the Kansas Supreme Court accepted the findings and conclusions of the Commission on Judicial Conduct, which were based on stipulations, but took no further action on the Commission’s recommendation that a former magistrate judge be publicly censured for giving access to nude and partially nude photos of himself to the complainant and the complainant’s wife on a social media dating website for couples, sending sexually revealing photographs of himself to the complainant’s wife, and requesting that the complainant’s wife send sexually explicit photos to him.  In the Matter of Clark (Kansas Supreme Court January 28, 2022). 
  • Rejecting the recommendation of the Judiciary Commission, the Louisiana Supreme Court imposed no discipline on a judge for remaining on the bench even though she was elected after turning 70, contrary to the state constitution.  In re Matthews (Louisiana Supreme Court January 28, 2022). 
  • The Michigan Supreme Court suspended a judge for 6 months without pay and publicly censured him for using sexually graphic language in conversations with female assistant prosecutors during breaks in a homicide trial and questioning them about their height and weight.  In re Morrow (Michigan Supreme Court January 13, 2022).
  • Accepting an agreement, the New Mexico Supreme Court publicly censured a judge for engaging in 2 ex parte phone calls on a Friday with the father of a woman who had just been arrested on multiple violent felonies; releasing the defendant on Saturday, contrary to the court protocol directing judges on call over the weekend not to release alleged violent offenders until the next business day; and failing to disclose the calls to the prosecution.  Inquiry Concerning Anaya (New Mexico Supreme Court December 13, 2021).
  • The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct removed a non-attorney judge from office for (1) posting, disseminating, and/or approvingly commenting on sexually charged content and images on Facebook that were demeaning to women or otherwise offensive and (2) using his Facebook account to publicly engage in fundraising for the National Rifle Association.  In the Matter of Stilson, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct January 7, 2022).
  • The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for failing to enter orders within the required time frames in 2 cases; the judge accepted the reprimand.  Crozier (Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct January 10, 2022).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a former judge who had been arrested and charged with use of an abusable volatile chemical, specifically, “whippets” or nitrous oxide cartridges.  Public Admonition of Starowitz (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct December 8, 2021).
  • The West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission publicly admonished a former magistrate for soliciting donations for a charity in a newspaper ad.  Public Admonishment of Headley (West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission December 15, 2021).

Recent cases

Posted on by
  • Approving a stipulation, the Florida Supreme Court suspended a judge for 10 days without pay, publicly reprimanded her, and fined her $37,500 for being absent from the courthouse beyond the permitted number of days for judicial leave, failing to notify court management of some of the absences, and being at the courthouse below the number of hours expected of trial judges on some days when she was there.  Inquiry Concerning Bryson (Florida Supreme Court November 24, 2021).
  • In lieu of formal disciplinary proceedings and with the judge’s consent, the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications publicly admonished a judge for sua sponte revoking defendants’ bonds without a motion from the prosecution or notice to the defendants and contrary to statutory guidelines for at least 8 individuals in 13 matters between 2016 and 2020.  Public Admonition of Buckley (Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications November 8, 2021).
  • Accepting a stipulation agreement and consent to discipline, the New Mexico Supreme Court suspended a judge for 30 days without pay for (1) failing to wear a protective face covering at all times while on court premises as required by the Court’s pandemic order and asking a clerk if they minded if he did not wear a mask; (2) using chewing tobacco while on court premises contrary to an administrative order; (3) after the court began conducting telephonic hearings due to the pandemic, issuing bench warrants to 11 defendants who failed to call the court on their appearance dates without determining if they had been properly summoned; (4) based on an ex parte communication with an assistant district attorney, recalling a defendant’s case and ordering the defendant held without bond; (5) in 4 cases, issuing an order setting conditions of release when he knew or should have known that the district attorney’s office had filed an expedited motion for pretrial detention that divested him of jurisdiction; (6) in 13 driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs cases, issuing illegal and/or improper sentences and/or failing to ensure that judgment and sentencing orders were accurate; (7) dismissing a case with prejudice when a preliminary hearing was not held in a timely manner contrary to rule; (8) failing to give a litigant 15 days to respond to a notice of intent to enter judgment on the pleadings as required by rule; (9) granting a competency motion orally contrary to rule; (10) determining a defendant to be a flight risk because they “didn’t live in the U.S,” ordering the defendant held on an $8,000 bond, and failing to make written findings of facts justifying the secured bond as required by rule; (11) sentencing a defendant to 90 days of incarceration and imposing 364 days of probation without ordering the sentence deferred or suspended contrary to statute; (12) signing an order for judgment on the pleadings that stated that he had reviewed the defendant’s response to the plaintiff’s motion for judgment on the pleadings when a response had not yet been filed; (13) assisting a state police officer in the prosecution of a case; (14) in 2 cases on the same day, accepting a guilty plea and improperly dismissing charges without proof of compliance; and (15) in 2 cases on the same day, failing to fully advise the defendants of all of their constitutional rights. The judge also agreed to attend at his own expense and successfully complete the National Judicial College general jurisdiction course, to have a mentor, and to be on unsupervised probation until the end of his term. In the Matter of Guthrie, Order (New Mexico Supreme Court October 29, 2021).
  • Based on the report of the Board of Professional Conduct, which was based on stipulations, the Ohio Supreme Court suspended a judge for 6 months without pay for communicating inappropriately with a court reporter on Facebook and by text and phone calls; the entire suspension was stayed conditioned on the judge receiving 8 hours of training on sexual harassment and refraining from further misconduct.  Disciplinary Counsel v. Berry, Order (Ohio Supreme Court November 3, 2021).
  • Adopting the findings and recommendation of the Board of Profession Conduct based on stipulations, the Ohio Supreme Court suspended a judge for 1 year without pay for (1) his undignified, improper, and discourteous demeanor toward a criminal defendant and the defendant’s girlfriend in his courtroom; ordering the defendant’s girlfriend, who was quietly observing the proceedings, to be drug tested; and finding the defendant’s girlfriend in direct contempt of court and sentencing her to 10 days in jail for her refusal to submit to a drug test.  Disciplinary Counsel v. Repp (Ohio Supreme Court November 9, 2021).
  • The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for (1) providing a “legal tip of the day” on Facebook, such as “when stealing stealth is key” or “the goal of criminal and bad behavior is to get away with it” and (2) having his law license suspended twice for failing to comply with mandatory continuing legal education requirements.  Webb (Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct November 5, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly warned a judge for issuing a search warrant for firearms in the possession of the husband in a divorce case without complying with the law, failing to be patient, dignified, and courteous with the husband, and manifesting bias and prejudice against the husband.  Public Warning of Bailey (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 29, 2021), on appeal.
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for falsely stating to other court employees that his former court clerk was being investigated by the county human resources department, provoking an altercation with the former clerk’s husband, a constable, and giving inaccurate and misleading testimony in a civil removal action against the constable.  The Commission also ordered the judge to receive 4 hours of instruction with a mentor particularly on sensitivity and diversity training, human resources, and personnel management.  Public Reprimand of Egan and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 29, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for holding the mother in a case affecting the parent-child relationship in contempt and jailing her without proper notice or advising her of her right to counsel.  Public Reprimand of Fletcher (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 29, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for (1) producing and erecting signs advertising his wife’s campaign for county commissioner, discussing her candidacy with others at campaign events and elsewhere, and maintaining a Facebook page on which materials supporting his wife’s campaign appeared; (2) producing and erecting signs advertising his services as a justice of the peace and as a private attorney; (3) disseminating business cards with the contact information for his judicial office on one side and his private practice on the other; and (4) acting as an attorney for a defendant in a case in which he had previously performed the magistration in his judicial capacity.  The Commission also ordered that he receive 2 hours of instruction with a mentor on campaign ethics, conflicts of interest, and performing magistrations.  Public Reprimand of Alvarez and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 29, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for (1) posting on Facebook concerning a death inquest she had conducted and commenting to the media about the inquest; (2) in her divorce proceedings, providing false testimony under oath about her possession and knowledge of firearms awarded to her ex-husband, for which she was held in contempt and served 15 days in confinement; and (3) striking an unattended vehicle.  Public Reprimand of Thomson (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 29, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a former judge for failing to complete any of his 16 hours of judicial education for 2018-2019 and any of his 16 hours of judicial education for 2019-2020.  Public Admonition of Valdez (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct October 29, 2021).
  • Based on a stipulation and agreement, the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge for making comments critical of the city’s decision to file and try a case that he thought could only be heard by the 2 court employees in the courtroom but that were being broadcast through the court’s YouTube channel.  In re Antush, Stipulation, agreement, and order (Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct November 19, 2021).
  • The West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission publicly admonished a magistrate for failing to provide a sign language interpreter for a litigant despite the litigant’s request.  In the Matter of D’Angelo, Public admonishment (West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission October 28, 2021).
  • The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals publicly censured a judge and fined her $1,000 for searching a self-represented ex-husband’s home for marital property and threatening him with contempt when he protested.  In the Matter of Goldston (West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals November 18, 2021).

Recent cases

Posted on by

  • Pursuant to a stipulation and the judge’s consent, the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline publicly reprimanded a judge for interfering and failing to cooperate with court officials in the administrative of court business with respect to personnel matters and using inappropriate language around court staff and court officials.  In the Matter of Chelini, Stipulation and order of consent (Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline August 12, 2021).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that he has vacated his office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded a proceeding against a former non-lawyer judge it was investigating based on the judge’s arrest on criminal charges of harassment and endangering the welfare of a child, his invocation of his judicial office at the time of his arrest when he asked the investigator to recommend a less restrictive order of protection, and his failure for approximately 3 months to comply with a court order to surrender all of his firearms.  In the Matter of Duyssen, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct August 5, 2021).
  • Based on the report of the Board of Professional Conduct, the Ohio Supreme Court suspended a judge for 6 months without pay for regularly communicating on Facebook messenger and over the phone with a litigant about 4 cases over which the judge was presiding; the Court stayed the suspension conditioned on the judge completing at least 3 hours of continuing judicial education on ex parte communications or use of social media by judicial officers, refraining from further misconduct, and paying the costs of the proceedings.  Disciplinary Counsel v. Winters (Ohio Supreme Court August 18, 2021).
  • Accepting an agreement for discipline by consent, the South Carolina Supreme Court suspended a magistrate for 6 months for his disruptive behavior during a meeting about the court’s Covid-19 safety plan, his confrontations with another magistrate and the Chief Magistrate after the meeting, and his statement to a clerk about the Chief Magistrate’s complaint to Disciplinary Counsel; the suspension was made retroactive to July 10, 2020, the date of his interim suspension, and the Court also ordered him to complete at least 15 hours of anger management and to pay the costs of the investigation.  In the Matter of Rivers (South Carolina Supreme Court August 11, 2021).
  • Based on the judge’s resignation and agreement to be disqualified from judicial service in the state, the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct agreed not to pursue further disciplinary proceedings against a former justice of the peace and associate municipal court judge; in May 2019, the Commission had suspended the judge without pay after she was indicted on state charges of theft of more than $2,500, but less than $30,000, and abuse of official capacity.  Grigsby, Voluntary agreement to resign from judicial office in lieu of disciplinary action (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct July 12, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly warned a judge for her posts on her personal Facebook page that supported judicial candidates, opposed candidates for non-judicial offices, made a negative comment about Scientology, and included a meme about border crossings; the Commission also ordered the judge to obtain 2 hours of instruction on racial sensitivity with a mentor.  Public Warning of Baca Bennet and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct August 16, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge for, after learning that the county attorney sought to dismiss a traffic matter, initiating an ex parte communication about the merits of the case with the officer who issued the citation and directing his clerk to tell the county attorney that the officer was opposed to the dismissal.  Public Admonition of Zander and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct August 12, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly warned a judge for ordering the activation of a criminal defendant’s stun cuff, which resulted in injury to the defendant and his absence from the remainder of the guilt/innocence phase of his trial.  Public Warning of Gallagher (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct August 19, 2021).
  • Based on agreements to resign and never to seek judicial office, the West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission publicly admonished 2 former magistrates for dismissing criminal charges in exchange for donations to a charitable organization by granting motions to dismiss filed by the prosecution.  Public Admonishment of Nutter (West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission August 27, 2021); Public Admonishment of Taylor (West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission August 27, 2021).

Recent cases

Posted on by
  • Based on stipulations of fact about the judge’s campaign flyers and digital placards on Facebook, a hearing panel of the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct ordered a judge to cease and desist from using photos of himself or his dog in his courtroom in campaign materials and from making misleading statements about his opponent.  Inquiry Concerning Hatfield (Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct July 16, 2021).
  • The Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission publicly reprimanded a former master commissioner for (1) misappropriating $81,000 in proceeds from a property sale and (2) routinely failing to timely collect and disburse the proceeds of judicial sales.  In re Schmidt, Findings of fact, conclusions of law, and final order (Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission July 13, 2021).
  • Granting a petition based on a stipulation, the New Mexico Supreme Court approved the resignation of a judge; in a notice of formal proceedings, the Judicial Standards Commission had alleged that the judge (1) failed to recuse from cases filed by the police department in which her ex-husband and co-habitant was chief of police and in which police officers over whom he exercises supervisory duties appeared and (2) failed to avoid or minimize conflicts of interest and situations requiring disqualification from cases involving the police department, violated the duty to hear and decide cases filed by the police department, which constitute a substantial portion of the cases the judge was elected to adjudicate, delegated that portion of her docket to an alternate judge, and continued to receive and accept payment of her full regular salary as a municipal court judge while the alternate judge has received a substantially disproportionate salary relative to the workload they were required to handle because of the judge’s conflicts with the police department.  In the Matter of Gates, Order (New Mexico Supreme Court July 2, 2021).
  • The Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline suspended a judge for 2 weeks without pay and placed him on probation until the end of his term for (1) failing to comply with 5 court orders in a case in which a fitness club sued him for dues, resulting in 3 findings of contempt and (2) failing to disclose the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the IRS as creditors on his statements of financial interest.  In re DiClaudio, Opinion and order (Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline July 6, 2021).
  • Following a trial de novo, a Texas Special Court of Review affirmed the public reprimand of a judge for (1) issuing a show cause order based on a plaintiff’s oral motion for contempt that had not been served on the alleged contemnor and (2) failing to ensure that parties against whom a contempt motion was filed had notice and an opportunity to respond; the judge was also ordered to obtain 4 hours of education with a mentor.  In re Jones, Opinion (Texas Special Court of Review June 17, 2021).
  • Based on the judge’s resignation and agreement to be disqualified from judicial service in the state, the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct agreed not to pursue further disciplinary proceedings based on complaints that the judge had failed to treat attorneys appearing before him with patience, dignity, and courtesy; failed to require and maintain order and decorum in proceedings before him; exhibited and/or manifested bias or prejudice towards certain litigants and attorneys, including on the basis of race, sex, and/or socioeconomic status; failed to comply with the law and/or maintain professional competence in the law regarding attorney’s fees and/or statutory post-judgment interest; failed to accord a defendant the right to be heard according to law; lent the prestige of judicial office to advance his private interests; and made appointments that violated the state’s nepotism statute.  Barnstone, Voluntary agreement to resign from judicial office in lieu of disciplinary action (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct July 19, 2021).
  • Adopting the findings of a 3-judge panel based on stipulations, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended a judge for 7 days without pay for (1) in a domestic violence case, mischaracterizing the victim’s in-court statement and castigating her for expressing her opinion of her current relationship with the defendant; (2) during sentencing in a case involving the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, using “profane language and imagery to demean what he believed defense counsel’s argument to be,” displaying “irritation with counsel’s attempt simply to make arguments on behalf of his client,” making clear that he did not wish to hear extended arguments, attempting to intimidate the defendant into waiving his right to speak in allocution, and “questioning in open court whether the young girl had really suffered a second-degree sexual assault;” (3) stating when taking a guilty plea in another case, “I would love to have a trial on this issue, I’d love that he get found guilty, and I’d love to give him a year in jail for wasting my time today.  I would love to do that, but unfortunately I can’t;” (4) using undignified, discourteous, and disrespectful language when sentencing a young defendant with cognitive impairments and “essentially” threatening the defendant by displaying a handgun as a “prop;” (5) displaying his handgun to high students visiting his courtroom on Government Day; and (6) impliedly labelling an attorney a “d**k” during a custody/placement modification hearing.  In the Matter of Woldt (Wisconsin Supreme Court July 13, 2021).

Recent cases

Posted on by
  • The Alabama Court of the Judiciary suspended a judge’s salary for 3 months and publicly censured him for, while on the bench and dressed in his judicial robe, threatening that he would take action against the defendant in a traffic ticket case if she sued his adult son, losing his temper, yelling profanity, and calling the defendant disparaging names; the Court also ordered the judge to complete 12 hours of judicial education, issue a formal written apology to the defendant, and pay costs.  In the Matter of Price, Final judgment (Alabama Court of the Judiciary June 15, 2021).
  • The Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for repeatedly failing to abide by administrative orders regarding the use of face coverings in court facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and for refusing to regularly review his court emails; the Commission also ordered the judge to review a podcast about pandemic-related issues and the duty to abide by administrative orders presented in August 2020 to justice court judges. Goodman, Order (Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct May 13, 2021).
  • The Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for speaking sharply to court staff when she was disconnected from a Zoom hearing and yelling when lawyers and parties were allowed into the courtroom prior to the scheduled time for a case in a separate incident; the Commission also ordered the judge to complete the courses “Leadership for Judges” and “Mindfulness for Judges” offered by the National Judicial College. Quickle, Order (Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct June 11, 2021).
  • The Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for failing to issue a timely ruling in 1 case and signing a payroll certification while knowing that the ruling was overdue. Jantzen, Order (Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct June 11, 2021).
  • Accepting the findings and recommendation of the Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission based on an agreement, the Arkansas Supreme Court suspended a judge for 90 days without pay for asking a public defender if she was going to file another complaint against him if he did not accept a plea negotiation; the Court held 60 days of the suspension in abeyance for 1 year conditioned on the judge attending a class on mindfulness, patience, or civility, on the judge consulting with a counselor or life coach about how to treat the professionals appearing in his court, and on the Commission receiving no complaints that result in public charges or agreed discipline. Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission v. Sims (Arkansas Supreme Court June 3, 2021).
  • Accepting a motion for consent discipline based on a joint stipulation and memorandum, the Louisiana Supreme Court publicly censured a Supreme Court Justice for a meeting that interfered with and/or had the potential to interfere with the relationship between a candidate in a highly contested campaign for a different seat on the Court and a worker in the candidate’s campaign. In re Hughes (Louisiana Supreme Court June 30, 2021).
  • Adopting in part the recommendations, findings, and conclusions of the Judicial Tenure Commission, the Michigan Supreme Court imposed a 6-year suspension without pay on a former judge if he is elected or appointed to judicial office during the next 6 years for (1) while he was a prosecutor, depositing county funds into his and his family’s personal bank accounts and failing to keep any records related to those funds; (2) pleading no-contest to a crime and subsequently making false statements about the plea; (3) failing to disclose his relationships with 3 attorneys when he presided over cases in which they appeared or to disqualify himself from those cases; and (4) testifying falsely before the Commission. In re Konschuh, Order (Michigan Supreme Court June 11, 2021).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that he has vacated his office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded an investigation of allegations that a non-lawyer judge had conveyed the impression of bias against LGBTQ individuals and publicly posted on his personal Facebook page anti-LGBTQ content, expressions of anti-Muslim bias, partisan political content, expressions of bias in favor of law enforcement and against criminal defendants, and commentary on pending cases, including the murder trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. In the Matter of Knutsen, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct June 10, 2021).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that she has vacated her office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded an investigation of allegations that the judge had (1) pushed a county assistant district attorney outside her courtroom one evening when court was in session and the courtroom was full of lawyers, litigants, and others; (2) accused a different county assistant district attorney of being “anti-Semitic” when they would not offer a lenient plea to an associate of the judge’s husband in a traffic matter; (3) turned court audio recording equipment on and off in the middle of proceedings; (4) presided over and took pleas in traffic matters without an assistant district attorney present; (5) locked the court while she traveled to prevent the associate village court justice from presiding over matters in her absence; (6) exhibited inappropriate demeanor on the bench and in interactions with assistant district attorneys and other attorneys and litigants; and (7) a matter revealed in an audit of the court’s finances. In the Matter of Fishkin, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct June 10, 2021).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that he has vacated his office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded a complaint alleging that a non-lawyer judge, who took office in January 2020, had (1) continued to work as town justice despite failing to attend the Office of Court Administration training program for town and village court judges, failing to pass the required examination, and failing to be certified as required by court rules and (2) failed to cooperate in the Commission investigation. In the Matter of Novak, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct June 11, 2021).
  • Adopting the recommendation of the Judicial Standards Commission, which was based on stipulations, the North Carolina Supreme Court publicly censured a former judge for a pattern of inappropriate and sexual communications on Facebook with numerous women, many of whom were involved in matters pending in his district; engaging in these communications while on the bench in the courtroom; taking frequent breaks, frequently continuing cases, and frequently recusing himself to have conversations or physical encounters with the women he contacted on Facebook; making misrepresentations and misusing the prestige of office to solicit assistance from law enforcement during an investigation of an attempt to extort him by one of the women; and making material misrepresentations to the Commission. In re Pool (North Carolina Supreme Court June 11, 2021).
  • Based on its findings of misconduct, the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline suspended a judge for 6 months without pay for (1) failing to file opinions in 24 appeals within the fast track time limits established by court rule in dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings; (2) incarcerating parents for contempt without a legal basis in 3 cases; detaining parents in holding cells with the threat of longer incarceration without a legal basis in 2 cases; threatening to incarcerate parents in the absence of any evidence of contempt in 1 case; and improperly holding an attorney in civil contempt; (3) in numerous dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings, exhibiting an angry, arrogant, demeaning, rude, dismissive, condescending, callous, and impatient demeanor; (4) repeatedly failing to accord the right to be heard to parents and guardians, to lawyers representing parents and guardians, and to the Department of Human Services; deciding issues without hearing testimony or holding hearings; refusing to admit medical reports; repeatedly interrupting testimony; and rushing a non-placement review hearing; and (5) during several dependency hearings, applying the standard for permanency hearings. In re Younge, Opinion and order (Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline June 2, 2021). The Court also placed the judge on probation until the end of her current term in January 2026; prohibited the judge from serving in the family court division during her probation; ordered the judge to consult with a mentor; and ordered her to write and deliver a letter of apology to each person she wronged.
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge for setting “no bond” on a misdemeanor motion to revoke probation without addressing the statutory factors for setting bail and for engaging in impermissible ex parte communications with the probationer and others concerning the merits of the proceeding; the Commission also ordered that the judge receive 2 hours of additional education concerning judicial ethics and criminal procedure with a mentor. Public Admonition of Lilly and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct June 18, 2021).

Recent cases

Posted on by
  • Based on an agreement, the Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission publicly censured a judge for (1) leaving the bench while a public defender was questioning a witness during a hearing, refusing to let her make her record when she attempted to respond to an objection, and using a curt voice and displaying an alarming demeanor and (2) in a separate proceeding, making statements about the way a public defender was conducting voir dire, asking if her client had a defense, and stating that he would still accept a guilty plea.  Re Sims (Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission May 21, 2021).
  • Approving a stipulated disposition, the Colorado Supreme Court accepted the retirement of a judge and publicly censured her for 2 convictions for driving under the influence.  In the Matter of Gunkel (Colorado Supreme Court May 13, 2021).
  • Approving a stipulation, the Florida Supreme Court publicly reprimanded a judge for (1) telling community members that he was supporting an incumbent judge’s opponent in a judicial election and asking some of them to support his favored candidate, and (2) failing to designate a campaign account and treasurer with the Division of Elections before receiving campaign contributions or issuing funds, as required by the state campaign financing statute.  Inquiry Concerning Cupp (Florida Supreme Court May 13, 2021).
  • Approving a stipulation, the Florida Supreme Court publicly reprimanded a judge for attempting to dissuade a judicial candidate from running against an incumbent judge and to run against a different incumbent judge or not to run at all.  Inquiry Concerning Howard (Florida Supreme Court May 20, 2021).
  • Following a trial de novo, a Texas Special Court of Review affirmed the public admonition of a judge for approaching a legal assistant in his courtroom, touching her on the arm or shoulder, and admonishing her for sitting in a section of the courtroom reserved for attorneys; the Court also ordered the judge to complete 2 hours of instruction about decorum with a mentor.  In re Wilson (Texas Special Court of Review May 4, 2021).
  • Based on an agreement, which included the judge’s resignation, the West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission publicly admonished a former magistrate for touching a court employee.  In the Matter of Cole, Public admonishment (West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission April 29, 2021).

Recent cases

Posted on by

  • The California Commission on Judicial Performance publicly admonished a judge for (1) displaying improper demeanor toward 2 criminal defense attorneys appearing by phone for an arraignment and (2) in a second case, making an inappropriate remark about the jury’s verdict to a defendant who had been acquitted.  In the Matter Concerning Connolly, Decision and order (California Commission on Judicial Performance April 2, 2021).
  • Based on a stipulation and the recommendation of the Commission on Judicial Discipline, the Colorado Supreme Court accepted the resignation of a judge and publicly censured her for (1) saying the N-word in a conversation with a Black staff member; (2) expressing her views about criminal justice, police brutality, race, and racial bias while wearing her robe in court staff work areas and on the bench; (3) using court staff for personal tasks; and (4) referring to a judicial colleague with a derogatory term.  In the Matter of Chase, Order (Colorado Supreme Court April 16, 2021). 
  • Based on an agreement, the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission suspended a judge for 7 days without pay for (1) requiring defendants in criminal cases to file written demands for jury trials; (2) making impatient, undignified, and discourteous comments to attorneys with the public defender’s office; and (3) in a proceeding with an unrepresented defendant, suggesting a plea agreement that could reasonably be perceived as coercive for the defendant.  In re Ruttle, Agreed order of suspension (Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission April 7, 2021). 
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that he has vacated his office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded a proceeding against a former judge; the Commission had apprised the judge that it was investigating allegations that he had attempted to have a purported friend’s pistol permit application assigned to himself and then initiated a conversation about the matter with the judge to whom the case had been assigned.  In the Matter of Carter, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 22, 2021).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that he has vacated his office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded a proceeding against a former judge; prior to his resignation, the Commission had notified the judge that it was investigating complaints that he had (1) dismissed or reduced tickets in multiple cases for defendants with whom he had personal relationships; (2) repeatedly described female litigants and lawyers in demeaning and sexist terms; and (3) improperly used a security camera to record proceedings in his courtroom.  In the Matter of Gallanter, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 22, 2021).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that he has vacated his office and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded a proceeding against a former non-lawyer judge; before the judge resigned, the Commission had notified him that it was investigating complaints that he had repeatedly engaged in unauthorized ex parte communications and gave the appearance of bias in a small claims case.  In the Matter of Hartwell, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 22, 2021).
  • Accepting a stipulation based on the judge’s affirmation that he has vacated his 2 judicial offices and will not seek or accept judicial office in the future, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct concluded a proceeding against a former judge who had pled guilty to criminal contempt in satisfaction of charges related to his violation of a stay-away order of protection held by a former girlfriend.  In the Matter of Miller, Decision and order (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 22, 2021).
  • Accepting an agreed statement of facts and recommendation, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly censured a non-lawyer judge for knowingly making materially false statements regarding a grant in a report filed with the court system and using unexpended grant funds to buy an audio-visual system even though he knew that the purchase was unauthorized.  In the Matter of Knab, Determination (New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 28, 2021).
  • Adopting the findings and conclusions of the Judicial Standards Commission, based on a stipulation and agreement, the North Carolina Supreme Court suspended a judge for 30 days without pay for serving as executor for the estates of 2 former clients who were not members of his family, collecting substantial fees or commissions for such service, and failing to properly report that income.  In re Inquiry Concerning Brooks (North Carolina Supreme Court April 16, 2021).
  • Based on the judge’s resignation and agreement to be disqualified from judicial service in the state, the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct agreed not to pursue further disciplinary proceedings against a former judge who had entered into orders of deferred adjudication of 3 felonies in 2 state criminal cases regarding a pyramid promotional scheme.  Velez, Voluntary agreement to resign from judicial office in lieu of disciplinary action (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 9, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly warned a judge for attending a luncheon hosted and paid for by a law firm involved in a highly contested civil case pending before her and set for post-judgment matters the following day and failing to disclose the luncheon to all parties in the litigation; the Commission also ordered the judge to obtain 2 hours of instruction with a mentor.  Public Warning of Phillips and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 9, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished a judge for orally ordering a defendant to perform community service without entering a written order and, when she failed to complete her community service, issuing a warrant for her arrest without giving her notice and an opportunity to be heard; the Commission also ordered the judge to obtain 4 hours of instruction with a mentor.  Public Admonition of Issacs and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 9, 2021).
  • The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for (1) while at the jail to magistrate an African-American defendant, stating that the defendant needs to be hung “with a f***ing noose around his neck” and (2) without jurisdiction, determining the right to possession of a trailer in an ex parte letter; the Commission also ordered the judge to obtain 11 hours of instruction with a mentor.  Public Reprimand of Baldwin and Order of Additional Education (Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 9, 2021).
  • Based on a stipulation and agreement, the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded a judge for (1) at the end of a calendar, declining to determine who was attempting to appear in court via Zoom; (2) failing to advise defendants at probation review hearings of their rights; (3) conducting an ex parte investigation into whether a defendant had performed community service hours and stating on the record that she intended to recommend significant jail time and further charges; (4) at arraignment hearings in 2 traffic offense cases, asking the defendants whether they had a valid driver’s license and how long it had been since they had a valid driver’s license; (5) as she sat on cases on the bench, regularly recommending specific businesses to defendants for re-licensing and insurance purposes related to their charges; and (6) regularly presiding over cases in which a notice of disqualification had previously been filed against her.  In re Burchett, Stipulation, agreement, and order of reprimand (Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct April 23, 2021).