Two OC Superior Court Judges have faced criminal charges in the last two years, while a host of others have quietly sidestepped questions or lawsuits around their ethics.
Tag: Orange County Superior Court
The Orange County Superior Court is where much of our accountability reporting ends up, in filings and rulings rather than press releases. Cases against cities, open-meeting law, public records fights and the decisions that bind local government.
Posted inTop Stories
Huntington Beach Sues Meadowlark Golf Course Operator for Late Rent
While the company paid back over $114,000 of late rent and fees, they refused to pay an additional $272,000 in late fees and invited city leaders to sue them.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
OC Superior Court Judge Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Resigns
OC Superior Court Judge Israel Claustro helped defraud a worker’s compensation program, according to a signed plea agreement released by federal prosecutors on Wednesday.
Posted inWestminster
Westminster Councilwoman Accused of Attempted Bribery to Get Ethics Training
As part of the judicial diversion program, Councilwoman Amy Phan West will have to complete an in-person ethics training course, 20 hours of community service and make a donation to a fund that helps crime victims.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
Who Finances Orange County Judge’s Campaigns?
A Voice of OC review of candidates’ disclosures found nearly all their funding comes from law enforcement or defense attorneys who could argue cases in their courtrooms.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Santana: Finding The Real Judges of OC
A few tips on finding useful information about voting for candidates seeking election as Orange County Superior Court judges.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
A Controversial Past Haunts Orange County’s CARE Court Judge
A new controversial program that could push mentally ill and disabled residents into court-mandated programs is being run by a former prosecutor with a history of violating defendants’ civil rights.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
Could Scores of Convicted Criminals in OC Get New Trials Due to Prosecutors Misconduct?
The allegations claim that OC Superior Court Judge Ebrahim Baytieh, who used to work in the District Attorney’s office, improperly convicted a man for murder and covered up evidence.
Posted inCountywide
Court Chiefs Ring Alarm Bells About Worsening Shortage of Court Reporters to Transcribe Hearings
The court already has eliminated their transcript staff from misdemeanor criminal cases, civil lawsuits and traffic cases, and many family law cases.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
Orange County’s Most Opaque Election: Superior Court Judges
Judges are among the most powerful officials in Orange County. Yet there’s little information about the people running.
