Public Decisions Database
This database contains decisions on all public judicial disciplinary cases since the inception of the commission in 1960. Cases not involving public charges or public discipline remain confidential under the California Constitution and the commission’s rules.
Pursuant to amendments to the Constitution, which took effect in March 1995, the commission is authorized to impose all disciplinary sanctions, subject to discretionary review by the Supreme Court. Prior to that, the Supreme Court had the authority to censure or remove judges from office upon recommendation by the commission.
Case Profile
New Search| First Name | Israel |
| Last Name | Claustro |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Orange |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure & Bar |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 03/24/2026 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Non-substance abuse criminal conduct Pre-bench misconduct |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | The commission issued a public censure and bar to Former Judge Claustro because, before he took the bench, Former Judge Claustro committed felony fraud, a crime of moral turpitude. Specifically, Former Judge Claustro was involved in a scheme to defraud the California Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund. Former Judge Claustro pled guilty to a felony count of mail fraud and resigned from the bench. |
| Documents | [ DECISION ] |