Inquiry Concerning Hyde

*CJP Supp. 334 Opinion

This disciplinary matter concerns Judge D. Ronald Hyde, a judge of the Alameda County Superior Court. The notice of formal proceedings charged Judge Hyde with seven incidents of unethical conduct.

The Commission on Judicial Performance agrees with the special masters that the seven charges are supported by clear and convincing evidence and that Judge Hyde committed two acts of willful misconduct, four acts of conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that bring the judicial office into disrepute, and one act of improper action. In determining the appropriate discipline the commission also must consider Judge Hyde’s five prior disciplines, the close relationship between his current misconduct and the prior misconduct for which he was disciplined, Judge Hyde’s lack of candor in his filings with the commission, and concerns about his credibility. For the reasons more fully set forth in this decision, the commission hereby removes Judge D. Ronald Hyde from the bench.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Judge Hyde was appointed to the Livermore-Pleasanton-Dublin Municipal Court in 1982 and elevated to the Alameda County Superior Court on July 31, 1998, as a result…