Los Angeles judge who threatened to shoot people or have people shot by his bailiff, blamed a domestic violence victim and engaged in improper remarks over four years just gets an admonishment from the California Commission on Judicial Performance?

 

Another California judge appointed by former California Governor Jerry Brown disciplined by the California Commission on Judicial Performance.

Between 2019 and 2014 Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Enrique Monguia "made public remarks in the courtroom threatening to 'shoot' people or have people 'shot 'by his bailiff. Judge Monguia also engaged in a pattern of making improper remarks, including remarks that were discourteous and gave the appearance of bias, to a crime victim, prospective jurors, defendants, attorneys, and others. Some of Judge Monguia’s remarks gave the appearance of prejudgment, embroilment, and bias based on gender and ethnicity. On at least one occasion, the judge baselessly blamed an adjudicated victim of domestic violence. "

The link to the 17 page document with details is available on the CJP website.

CJP Press Release (issued 8/28/25) :

The Commission on Judicial Performance has publicly admonished Judge Enrique Monguia of Los Angeles County Superior Court. The commission determined that it should publicly admonish Judge Monguia for multiple instances of misconduct, committed over four and one-half years.  Between 2019 and 2024, Judge Monguia made public remarks in the courtroom threatening to “shoot” people or have people “shot” by his bailiff. Judge Monguia also engaged in a pattern of making improper remarks, including remarks that were discourteous and gave the appearance of bias, to a crime victim, prospective jurors, defendants, attorneys, and others. Some of Judge Monguia’s remarks gave the appearance of prejudgment, embroilment, and bias based on gender and ethnicity. On at least one occasion, the judge baselessly blamed an adjudicated victim of domestic violence. In other instances, the judge’s comments had the potential to interfere with attorney-client relationships. In one case, Judge Monguia remanded a defendant without counsel, without allowing her an opportunity to be heard, and without inquiring into a plan for custody of her young child who was present with her in court. Judge Monguia’s misconduct caused the chaotic separation of the child from her mother. In another case, Judge Monguia engaged in an ex parte communication and thereafter declared a doubt of competence and suspended a self-represented defendant’s criminal proceedings, without appointing counsel. Judge Monguia’s failure to timely appoint counsel caused delay in the case, prolonging the time the defendant spent in custody. 

The public admonishment is available on the commission’s website at https://cjp.ca.gov (under “Pending Cases – Press Releases & Documents” and “Public Discipline & Decisions”). Judge Monguia is represented by Paul S. Meyer, Esq. of Paul S. Meyer, APC of Costa Mesa.