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 | Stephen P. |
| Last Name | Gildner |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Kern |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 01/05/2005 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Failure to ensure rights On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Gildner issued bench warrants on two occasions without lawful authority and remanded the defendants without hearing any explanation when they appeared as previously ordered. In another matter, the judge arbitrarily refused to hear a defendant's explanation for late arrival at court, creating the appearance of substantial unfairness. The judge also frequently informed criminal defendants prior to their preliminary hearings that they would never see the same plea bargain offer again. |
| Documents |