Opinion ID: 1818000
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Proceedings Before JQC

Text: The case at bar arises from formal charges brought by the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) against Judge Robert F. Diaz. In the Notice of Formal Charges, the JQC accuses Judge Diaz of sending inappropriate emails to a fellow judge and to the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association. The JQC's notice states in pertinent part: On or shortly after January 19, 2004, you sent an anonymous e-mail to fellow County Judge Lee Seidman enclosing a news article concerning a circuit judge who had been criticized for reporting illegal immigrants to the federal authorities when he became aware of their status during hearings. In this email you stated, Isn't this what you used to do in Hollywood (Florida)? We remember. In this message you had reference to an alleged practice of Judge Seidman of a similar nature, which apparently included a number of defendants of Hispanic ancestry. You later sent a similar message to the Hispanic Bar Association of Broward County to call its attention to the alleged practices of Judge Seidman. Under the circumstances, the recipient deemed the message to be abusive and to threaten retaliation at the polls from those of Hispanic ancestry. To exacerbate this matter you later sent a similar message to the President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Broward County to call its attention to the alleged practice of Judge Seidman. Subsequently, Judge Diaz entered into a factual stipulation with the JQC waiving his rights to a trial, admitting the charges, and accepting the sanctions recommended by the panel. Thereafter, the JQC panel made its findings and recommendations. In the findings, the panel stated in pertinent part: The panel takes a very dim view of the conduct of the respondent in this matter, which involves a serious offense. He in fact sent an implied threat of organized group retaliation because of alleged actions of a fellow judge, and to exacerbate matters sent a copy to a local ethnic bar association. Such conduct is deplorable, and were it not for the respondent's lack of prior disciplinary history and his acknowledgment of his conduct, the panel would consider forwarding this matter for trial and a more severe penalty. The period of suspension would be greater but for the burden placed on the respondent's colleagues. The stipulation agreed to by Judge Diaz with the JQC specifies that Judge Diaz admits he violated the Code and he further agrees to submit to a public reprimand, a fourteen day suspension without pay, a $15,000 fine, and a complete and public apology to County Judge Lee Seidman and to the President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Broward County.