RECENT JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE CASES

Jan. 17: Harris County criminal law hearing officers Eric Hagstette, Jill Wallace and Joseph Licata violated a federal ruling that prohibits judges from denying personal bonds to indigent defendants. Punishment: Four hours of instruction with a mentor.

Dec. 19: Bell County Justice of the Peace Claudia Brown imposed $4 million bail to a murder defendant to illustrate flaws in the bond system. She also magistrated a drunken driving case in which her son was the defendant. Punishment: Two hours of instruction with a mentor.

Nov. 10: Brazoria County Court-at-Law Judge Jeremy Warren berated a Little League umpire, using profanity and telling the ump to “bring it” to his courtroom. The exchange was caught on video. Punishment: Two hours of instruction with a mentor.

Nov. 9: Jurors said Dallas County state Judge Teresa Hawthorne accused them of not deliberating and told them the 99-year sentence they gave was too harsh. A separate complaint states Hawthorne tried to interfere in her nephew’s criminal case. Punishment: Public reprimand.

May 8: Burnet County Judge James Oakley posted “Time for a tree and a rope” on a Facebook photo of a black man charged with murder in the killing of a San Antonio police officer. Punishment: Public reprimand and order of additional education.

Jan. 25, 2017: Webb County Court-at-Law Judge Jesus “Chuy” Garza received kickbacks from attorneys and agreed to impose a light sentence to a fugitive in exchange for $32,000. Punishment: Resignation in lieu of disciplinary action.