Inquiry into the Conduct of the Honorable John P. Dehen

Summary

The court found clear and convincing evidence that Judge Dehen committed judicial misconduct by issuing writs compelling increased compensation for his court reporter while acting as an interested party and by conducting a remote court calendar from a moving vehicle to attend a family event. It rejected the allegations concerning at-risk juvenile guardianships because the alleged legal errors were not contrary to clear and determined law and did not establish actual bias or prejudice. The court imposed public censure and a nine-month unpaid judicial suspension, with a corresponding practice-of-law suspension if he leaves judicial office before the judicial suspension ends, and publicly reprimanded him as an attorney.