Opinion ID: 1124510
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Count 8: Contributions in lieu of fines

Text: The Commission found that appellant suggested that criminal defendants contribute money to charities on a list he had prepared in lieu of paying fines to the City of North Las Vegas and that he did so, in part, to enhance his electability. The Commission concluded that this conduct violated NCJC Canons 1, 2, 2(A), and 4(C)(3)(b)(i) & (iv), and constituted grounds for discipline under ARJD 11(3). Appellant contends that no evidence was presented in support of the finding that he used this practice to enhance his electability. He further argues that he did not believe it was a violation of Canon 4(C)(3) because the defendants had a choice as to whether to contribute and which charity would receive the contribution. Finally, appellant points out that he discontinued the practice after he was informed that an opinion of the Attorney General stated that it was unethical and that the Nevada Supreme Court did not approve of the procedure. We conclude that appellant's conduct violated NCJC Canon 4(C)(3). The rule addresses the dual fears that potential donors either may be intimidated into making contributions when solicited by a judge, or that they may expect contributions when solicited by a judge, or that they may expect future favors in return for their largesse. Jeffrey M. Shaman et al., Judicial Conduct and Ethics § 9.06, at 289 (2d ed. 1995). This treatise also directs our attention to unreported decisions wherein judges were disciplined for conduct similar to that presently under scrutiny. In one case, the judge disposed of cases by requiring the defendant to contribute stated amounts to charities named by the judge. In another, the judge allowed defendants to make voluntary contributions to law enforcement services in exchange for dismissal of traffic infractions. Id. at 290 nn. 40-41. Accordingly, we conclude that appellant violated NCJC Canon 4(C)(3). Further, this conduct violated the other canons identified by the Commission.