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 | William R. |
| Last Name | Danser |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 172 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Santa Clara |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure and bar |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 06/02/2005 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Demeanor/decorum Gifts/loans/favors/ticket-fixing Off-bench abuse of office/misuse of court information On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Danser engaged in ticket-fixing in 23 traffic matters, some of which also involved misdemeanor failure to appear charges, as favors to friends and acquaintances and afforded preferential and lenient treatment to defendants in four driving under the influence cases. The judge also intervened to dispose of a traffic case pending before a subordinate judicial officer and abused his judicial power in connection with a family member's parking tickets. The judge engaged in unjudicial demeanor and abuse of power in interfering with a district attorney's attempt to obtain a transcript of proceedings after the judge lied and misrepresented facts to the deputy district attorney during the proceedings. The judge was prosecuted criminally on charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice arising from the ticket-fixing allegations. The judge retired pursuant to a stipulation and agreement with the commission. |
| Documents |