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 | Leopoldo |
| Last Name | Sanchez |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 14 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Los Angeles |
| Discipline/Determination | Censure |
| Decision By | Supreme Court |
| Date of Decision | 08/02/1973 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Failure to ensure rights |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | Judge Sanchez regularly furnished to a bail bondsman orders for the release of prisoners on bail, which were blank except for the judge's signature. The bondsman thereafter filled in the orders, fixed bail without judicial authority, and used the orders to secure the release of prisoners arrested for felonies. The judge had been warned by others, including his presiding judge, and had promised to stop signing blank release orders. |
| Documents |