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 | Fred L. |
| Last Name | Heene, Jr. |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 153 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | San Bernardino |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 10/13/1999 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Abuse of contempt/sanctions Failure to ensure rights On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Heene abused his authority and disregarded the fundamental rights of criminal defendants in nine incidents: improperly taking an alleged rape victim who recanted into custody for ten minutes; ordering a woman with a seven day-old baby jailed for 44 days; sentencing a traffic infraction defendant to jail and payment of a fine despite the absence of a plea or conviction; ordering a tardy juror into custody without following proper contempt procedures; denying appointed counsel to an unemployed defendant; ordering a traffic infraction defendant to sell his car; refusing to allow a traffic defendant to cross-examine the arresting officer; and revoking probation in two cases without advisement of rights. |
| Documents |