Commission on Judicial Performance files formal proceedings against another Assistant and Presiding Judge, this one from Santa Barbara Superior Court

 

The Commission on Judicial Performance issued a press release on December 18, 2024 and posted a notice of formal proceedings on December 12, 2024 to inquire "into matters concerning Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Michael J. Carrozzo. 

Judge Carrozzo's answer was due January 2, 2025. It has either not been filed or not posted yet on the CJP website. San Diego attorney, Ms. Heather L. Rosing, is representing Judge Carrozzo.

There are six alleged counts. 

"By the following allegations, you are charged with willful misconduct in office, conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute, and improper action, within the meaning of article VI, section 18 of the California Constitution, which provides for the removal, censure, public admonishment, or private admonishment of a judge or former judge."-- Page 1 notice

I am not going to post the entire notice. It is available on the CJP website. If you are an advertiser, donor or subscriber, you can contact me for a one on one update or assistance finding the document.

CJP Press Release:

The Commission on Judicial Performance has instituted formal proceedings to inquire into matters concerning Judge Michael J. Carrozzo of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. 

The commencement of formal proceedings is not a determination of judicial misconduct. A copy of the Notice of Formal Proceedings is posted on the commission’s website at https://cjp.ca.gov (under “Announcements”).

Judge Carrozzo’s Answer to the Notice is due January 2, 2025. Upon filing, the judge’s answer will be made available for public inspection. In accordance with the rules that govern commission proceedings, a hearing will be conducted by special masters appointed by the Supreme Court. At the hearing, the parties will have an opportunity to introduce evidence and examine and cross-examine witnesses. Commission Trial Counsel, Mark A. Lizarraga, and Assistant Trial Counsel, Gregory J. Cleaver, will serve as Examiners for the commission.

Judge Carrozzo is represented by Attorney Heather L. Rosing of San Diego. 

Following completion of the hearing, the special masters will provide the commission with a report containing findings with respect to the charges. The parties will have an opportunity to present their views on the report to the commission through briefing and argument. If the commission determines that the charges are proven by clear and convincing evidence, it is empowered to remove, censure, publicly admonish, or privately discipline the judge. Charges that the commission determines are not proven will be dismissed. A determination by the commission to remove, censure, or admonish a judge is subject to discretionary review by the Supreme Court upon petition by the judge.