Private Admonition and Order of Additional Education of a Municipal Court Judge. (01/03/12).
01/03/2012
The judge exceeded his authority when he issued summonses directing several individuals to appear in his court in an apparent attempt to mediate a private dispute that had allegedly resulted in the filing of criminal charges. None of the individuals had entered pleas. One of the individuals was summoned to court as a witness, not a defendant. The judge acknowledged he used the proceeding as an opportunity to admonish the individuals regarding their conduct. The judge acted improperly when he allowed the individuals to testify in court about the merits of their pending cases outside the presence of the State and prior to entry of any guilty or nolo contendere plea. Additionally; the judge failed to adequately maintain and preserve court records; ensure his court staff maintained a docket of the proceedings; and demonstrated a lack of professional competence in the law. [Violation of Canons 3B(2) and 6(C)2 of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct.] Private Admonition and Order of Additional Education of a Municipal Court Judge. (01/03/12).
