Inquiry Concerning Platt

*CJP Supp. 231 Opinion

This disciplinary matter concerns Judge Michael E. Platt, a judge of the San Joaquin County Superior Court. Judge Platt was charged with four counts of ticket fixing, three counts of attempting to influence other jurists, and one count of improperly issuing a stay in a detainer proceeding.

The Commission on Judicial Performance finds that the four charges of ticket fixing and three charges of attempting to influence other jurists are supported by clear and convincing evidence. The commission concludes that Judge Platt’s actions on four separate traffic tickets and on one of his attempts to influence another jurist constitute acts of willful misconduct under article VI, section 18, subdivision (d) of the California Constitution. For the reasons set forth in this decision, the commission hereby removes Judge Michael E. Platt from the bench.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Judge Platt was appointed to the San Joaquin County Superior Court in September 1994. On October 27, 1997, the commission sent Judge Platt a notice of intended public admonishment for soliciting fundraising contributions from attorneys and court staff. On November 4, 1997, Judge Platt sent the…