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 | Michael J. |
| Last Name | Mulvihill |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | N/A |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | San Joaquin |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 10/27/2022 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Alcohol or drug related criminal conduct Demeanor/decorum Miscellaneous off-bench conduct |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | In 2022, Judge Mulvihill crashed his vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol. His blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.25, approximately 3 hours after the accident. In addition, Judge Mulvihill attempted to leave the scene of the accident, made false statements to bystanders, misled law enforcement officers about the cause of the accident, and underreported to law enforcement the amount of alcohol he had consumed. Separately, the judge made discourteous remarks towards a litigant in court. The commission issued a censure, pursuant to a stipulation. |
| Documents | [ DECISION ] |