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 | Elaine M. |
| Last Name | Rushing |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 177 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Sonoma |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 06/08/2006 |
| Method of Resolution | Stipulation |
| Types of Misconduct | Alcohol or drug related criminal conduct Miscellaneous off-bench conduct Off-bench abuse of office/misuse of court information |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Rushing was convicted on a plea of no contest to the crime of driving under the influence of alcohol with an enhancement for a blood alcohol level of 0.20 percent or more. During the incident, the judge engaged in a course of dishonest conduct in an effort to avoid being arrested, and repeatedly invoked her judicial office and that of her husband in an effort to avoid being arrested and to otherwise receive preferential treatment. |
| Documents |