Inquiry Concerning Judge James M. Petrucelli

Summary

The commission found that Judge James M. Petrucelli committed prejudicial misconduct by ordering the telephonic own-recognizance release of an acquaintance arrested for spousal abuse, without complying with the statutory hearing and notice requirements and while acting under circumstances requiring disqualification. It also found that his later efforts to connect the acquaintance with a defense attorney violated ethical rules, although his brief conversation with the acquaintance at a fundraiser did not constitute misconduct. The commission concluded that the judge acted in good faith rather than willfully or corruptly, but imposed a severe public censure because the conduct misused judicial authority and undermined public confidence. No separate opinions were provided.