Opinion ID: 1755033
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 24

Heading: Finality of Sanction

Text: We conclude that the original sanction imposed against Respondent became final when no special court of review was sought. To allow the Commission to revisit the issue after sanctions have been imposed would be tantamount to an enhanced penalty for the same judicial offense. While we recognize that these proceedings are not criminal in nature implicating double jeopardy, nor even quasi-criminal implicating contempt limitations, we nevertheless are bound by the constitutional mandate that due process of law be afforded any judge against whom a removal proceeding is brought. TEX. CONST. art. V, § 1-a(11). Therefore, this Review Tribunal will not consider Respondent's underlying actions in the Grupe incident. We are cautious to add, however, that our conclusion does not prohibit our consideration of the fact that a prior incident of misconduct occurred. Furthermore, Respondent's failure to abide by the Commission's order to complete additional judicial education and the more egregious conduct in asking his mentor judge to submit a false report to the Commission are appropriate issues for consideration, and were properly included in the Notice of Formal Proceedings as Item 2. The fact that a judge has been afforded a lesser sanction, and declined to take the opportunity to comply with the sanction to demonstrate his rehabilitation, may indicate that a greater sanction is required with regard to subsequent judicial offenses. Despite our determination that the underlying merits of the Grupe incident should not be considered in the Special Master's conclusion that Respondent has engaged in willful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of his duties, in violation of TEX. CONST. art. V, § 1-a(6)(A), and that Respondent had willfully violated various provisions of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, we decline Respondent's request that we remand these proceedings to the Commission. [5] Because we have the discretion to order public censure, retirement, or removal as we find just and proper, or to wholly reject the recommendation of the Commission, a remand is unnecessary. TEX.R.REM'L/RET. JUDGES, Rule 12(h).