Opinion ID: 7347069
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Violations of the California Code of Judicial Ethics

Text: The Notice alleged Judge Saucedo violated several canons of the California Code of Judicial Ethics: California Code of Judicial Ethics, canons 1, 2, 2A, 2B(1), 3C(5), and 4G. Those canons, as pertinent here, require a judge to personally observe high standards of conduct “so that the integrity and independence of the judiciary is preserved” (canon 1); “avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all of the judge’s activities” (canon 2, capitalization omitted); “act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary” (canon 2A); “not allow family, social, political, or other relationships to influence the judge’s judicial conduct or judgment” nor “ convey or permit others to convey the impression that any individual is in a special position to influence the judge” (canon 2B(1)); “avoid nepotism and favoritism” (canon 3C(5)); and not practice law (canon 4G). We conclude that Judge Saucedo violated each of these canons through the following conduct. First, Judge Saucedo’s authorship of the anonymous letter violated California Code of Judicial Ethics, canons 1, 2, and 2A. This conduct violates the high standards required of a judge, undermines the integrity of the judiciary, and diminishes public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary. Second, Judge Saucedo’s failure to report the anonymous letter to his presiding judge, court administration or law enforcement violated California Code of Judicial Ethics, canons 1, 2 and 2A. This conduct violates the high standards of conduct required of a judge, undermines the integrity of the judiciary, and diminishes public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary. Third, Judge Saucedo’s conduct in using the anonymous letter as a means to promote a closer personal relationship with Tovar violated California Code of Judicial Ethics, canons 1, 2 and 2A. This conduct violates the high standards required of a judge, undermines the integrity of the judiciary, and diminishes public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary. Fourth, Judge Saucedo’s course of conduct during September 18 through November 19 that included giving Tovar, a subordinate employee, substantial monetary and tangible gifts as a means to convince her to become involved in a closer personal relationship violated California Code of Judicial Ethics, canons 1, 2, 2A, and 3C(5). This conduct violates the high standards required of a judge, undermines the integrity of the judiciary, diminishes public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary, and manifests favoritism toward a subordinate employee. Fifth, Judge Saucedo’s extortion allegation, and the manner in which he made the accusation, violated California Code of Judicial Ethics, canons 1, 2, 2A, and 2B(1). Judge Saucedo interrupted court proceedings to hand Tovar a note accusing her of extortion. By doing so, Judge Saucedo improperly used the power of his judicial office to intimidate Tovar and seek to ensure her silence regarding his conduct during the previous two months. Judge Saucedo also failed to report the claimed extortion demand to law enforcement or court officials. Judge Saucedo’s conduct concerning the extortion claim violated the high standards required of a judge, and violates his duties to act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Sixth, Judge Saucedo’s conduct in providing Tovar’s son with legal advice violated California Code of Judicial Ethics, canon 4G. 10