In re Inquiry Concerning Spitzer

*CJP Supp. 259 Opinion

I.

INTRODUCTION AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

This disciplinary matter concerns Judge Robert G. Spitzer, a judge of the Riverside County Superior Court. He was appointed to the municipal court in 1990 and became a superior court judge in 1998. The notice of formal proceedings, filed July 31, 2006, charges Judge Spitzer with eight counts of judicial misconduct.

Count I charges Judge Spitzer with backdating orders and failing to dispose of matters promptly and efficiently.

Count II charges Judge Spitzer with failing to decide matters that were under submission for decision for over 90 days and executing false salary affidavits in four cases.

Count HI charges Judge Spitzer with failing to take action on pending matters in two cases.

*CJP Supp. 260 Count IV charges Judge Spitzer with failing to timely decide matters submitted to him for decision in two cases.

Count V charges Judge Spitzer with improperly initiating an ex parte communication with a prosecution witness in a criminal case, considering information he obtained during the ex parte communication in dismissing the case, and making comments in open court reflecting bias against the prosecution…