Private Order of Additional Education of a County Judge (06/27/03)

06/27/2003

The judge failed to follow proper procedures when he ordered the arrest of a pro se defendant following a protective order hearing, without first reading the defendant his statutory warnings, and without affording the defendant the right to counsel, the right to waive counsel, or the right to remain silent.  Additionally, the judge's frustration with the applicant's desire to withdraw the request for a protective order resulted in a comment from the judge that suggested an unfavorable comparison between the defendant and Charles Manson, demonstrating a lack of patience, dignity, and courtesy.  [Violation of Canons 3B(2) and 3B(4) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct.]  Private Order of Additional Education of a County Judge (06/27/03)