The following review is limited to the second two options which are lesser known. The Grand Jury is given the power to investigate wilful misconduct by local officials. Such an investigation may lead to the filing of an accusation for removal of the official from office if the Grand Jury finds the official has committed wilful misconduct in office. Wilful misconduct in office includes any wilful malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance. Malfeasance is defined as doing an act which the official should not do.
Misfeasance is defined as improperly doing an act which the official is otherwise authorized to do.
Nonfeasance is defined as the failure to do an act which an official should do. A quo warranto lawsuit is one brought by the State Attorney General whenever there is reason to believe a public official is unlawfully holding office. A citizen may also file the action if given permission by the Attorney General. The quo warranto lawsuit may be brought against any person who unlawfully holds, exercises, intrudes into or usurps any public office. In late February, Amador County Supervisor Stephanie Moreno was hired as a full-time senior administrative analyst in the Monterey County Auditor's Department.