Private Warning and Order of Additional Education of a County Judge (8/8/17)

08/08/2017

The judge failed to comply with the law; failed to maintain professional competence in the law; and engaged in improper ex parte communications when he: (1) denied a defendant facing potential jail time the right to a court-appointed attorney or a private attorney; (2) discussed a defendant’s probation compliance issues with a probation officer and County Attorney outside the presence of the defendant; and (3) did not follow the law regarding plea agreements.  [Violation of Canons 2A, 3B(2) and 3B(8) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct.] Private Warning and Order of Additional Education of a County Judge.  08/08/17.