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 | Debra R. |
| Last Name | Archuleta |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Los Angeles |
| Discipline/Determination | Public Admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 12/18/2025 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Bias/appearance of bias not directed toward a particular class Demeanor/decorum Ex parte communications |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Archuleta engaged in a pattern of discourteous, undignified, and impatient behavior, in seven dependency matters; conducted an improper independent investigation; initiated an ex parte communication; and, unlawfully, conducted off-the-record discussions that concerned substantive matters, without properly preserving the record. In the dependency matters, instead of fostering a collaborative atmosphere, Judge Archuleta created the appearance that she issued orders concerning removal, placement, or, in one matter, a clothing allowance, out of pique. At times, Judge Archuleta treated parents and children as if they were criminal defendants, instead of participants in dependency court. Judge Archuleta’s misconduct was aggravated by prior discipline. |
| Documents | [ DECISION ] |