Public Decisions Database

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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.

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First Name	Thomas J.
Last Name	Griego
Title	Judge
Inquiry No.
Court Level	Superior Court
County/Appellate District	Los Angeles
Discipline/Determination	Public Admonishment
Decision By	Commission
Date of Decision	05/13/2026
Method of Resolution	Decision
Types of Misconduct	Administrative malfeasance/improper comments, treatment of colleagues and staff Demeanor/decorum
Petition For Review
Summary	Judge Griego received discipline for displaying poor demeanor toward pro per small claims litigants on three different days, and in four different matters. He interrupted litigants when they attempted to answer his questions; made disparaging and gratuitous remarks; abruptly and improperly left the courtroom in the middle of proceedings; and instructed a courtroom employee to “talk to the woman” or “talk to her,” referring to a litigant. Judge Griego also engaged in misconduct relating to his administrative duties. He failed to check his court and personal mail for months, thus delaying his response to investigation letters the commission had sent to him. Judge Griego’s misconduct was aggravated by: (1) engaging in multiple acts of misconduct during multiple hearings affecting self-represented litigants who appeared before him, (2) the failure to appreciate the impropriety of his conduct; and (3) recent prior discipline for similar misconduct.
Documents	[ DECISION ]