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 | Christopher J. |
| Last Name | Sheldon |
| Title | Judge |
| Inquiry No. | 142 |
| Court Level | Superior Court |
| County/Appellate District | Riverside |
| Discipline/Determination | Public admonishment |
| Decision By | Commission |
| Date of Decision | 10/23/1998 |
| Method of Resolution | Decision |
| Types of Misconduct | Demeanor/decorum Failure to ensure rights Non-performance of judicial functions/attendance/sleeping |
| Petition For Review | |
| Summary | For a period of six months, Judge Sheldon failed to take the bench for the majority of his misdemeanor pretrial calendar, allowing the attorneys and court staff to handle the calendar including taking pleas and waivers of rights. The judge signed waiver forms without questioning defendants to determine whether their changes of plea were knowing, voluntary and intelligent, as required by law. |
| Documents | [ NOTICE ] [ ANSWER ] [ PUBLIC ADMONISHMENT ] |