Opinion ID: 1755033
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 22

Heading: Informal Proceedings

Text: The Commission may institute a preliminary investigation upon an allegation or appearance of misconduct or disability of any judge. The purpose of the preliminary investigation is to determine whether the allegation is unfounded or frivolous. If the Commission determines that the allegation is unfounded or frivolous, it shall terminate the proceedings. TEX. R.REM'L/RET. JUDGES, Rule 3. If the preliminary investigation reveals that the allegations are neither unfounded nor frivolous, or if sufficient cause exists to warrant a full inquiry into the facts and circumstances indicating that a judge may be guilty of willful or persistent conduct which is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of his duties or casts public discredit upon the judiciary or the administration of justice, or that he has a disability seriously interfering with the performance of his duties which is or is likely to become permanent in nature, the Commission shall conduct a full investigation. TEX.R.REM'L/RET. JUDGES, Rule 4. The Commission may offer a judge the opportunity to appear informally before the Commission. No oral testimony other than the judge's shall be received during an informal appearance, although documentary evidence may be tendered. TEX. R.REM'L/RET. JUDGES, Rule 6. The Commission may then impose sanctions upon a judge including a private or public admonition, warning, reprimand, or a requirement that the judge obtain additional training or education. TEX. CONST. art. V, § 1-a(8). A judge who has been sanctioned by the Commission may request the appointment of a special court of review, a panel of three court of appeals justices. TEX. R.REM'L/RET. JUDGES, Rules 1(g) and 9(a). The special court of review may dismiss or affirm the Commission's decision, impose a greater or lesser sanction, or order the Commission to file formal proceedings. TEX.R.REM'L/RET. JUDGES, Rule 9(d). Respondent here did not elect to have his original sanction of additional judicial education considered by a special court of review.