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 | Alan E. |
| Last Name | Klein |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 137 |
| Court Level | Municipal Court |
| County/Appellate District | Kern |
| Discipline/Determination | Dismissal/reversal |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 03/11/1996 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | The commission issued charges alleging that Judge Klein engaged in a series of improper ex parte meetings and communications with a female defendant in a criminal case pending before him and with the police involved in the case. The judge presided over plea negotiations without disclosing his contacts with the defendant; the disposition of the case was alleged to be lenient and favorable to the defendant. It was also alleged that the judge had engaged in ex parte meetings and contacts with another female defendant regarding traffic matters. The judge gave her advice and contacted another judge and a court official to obtain favorable treatment for her. It was additionally alleged that the judge made deliberate and material misrepresentations to attorneys from the Department of Justice during their official investigation of his conduct. The case was dismissed by the commission when the judge agreed to resign immediately and not to seek judicial office or to sit on assignment. The commission also referred the matter to the State Bar. |
| Documents |