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 | James M. |
| Last Name | Petrucelli |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 193 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Fresno |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 08/18/2015 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Disqualification/disclosure/post-disqualification conduct Miscellaneous off-bench conduct On-bench abuse of authority in performance of judicial duties |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge called the Fresno County jail and ordered the own recognizance (OR) release of a person he knew socially based on personal knowledge and information received through ex parte communications with an attorney who was a personal friend of both the acquaintance and the judge. Acquaintance had been arrested on spousal abuse charges, and his release violated Penal Code section 1270.1, which prohibits an OR release on such charges prior to a hearing in open court and notice to the prosecution. The judge also called a local defense attorney about representing the acquaintance. |
| Documents |