Complaint Review: Arizona Commission on Judical Conduct - Phoenix Arizona

Arizona Commission on Judical Conduct Member names: Louis Frank Dominguez, Christopher P. Staring, Colleen Concannon, Denise K Aguilar, Christopher W. Ames,Roger Barton, Barbara Brown, Michael J. Brown,Joseph C. Kreamer, Delia R. Neal,J. Tyrrell Taber and April P. Elliott Executive Director

In July of 2001, I wrote to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. I submitted a complaint about two Judges, namely Judge Sheila Gooden and Appellate Level Judge M. Jean Hoag.

In July of 2001, I drove to the Scottsdale Library to drop off some books. As you enter the Library, you are met with two signs erected by the City of Scottsdale… “Drop Off” to the left and “Parking” to the right. Since I was there to ”Drop Off” some books and pay a small fine, I drove to the left. I went upstairs, returned my books and paid a small overdue fine.

I went back downstairs just a few minutes later to find a, smart aleck, Parking Enforcement Officer writing me a citation for parking over the parking stall lines. I drew his attention to the fact that this was not a parking area, it was a “Drop Off” area and there were no parking stall lines to be parked over. Additionally, the area was devoid of any signage or colored curb markings. He handed me the citation and, with a smile, said… “You’ll find out all about it when you get to court.”

I went to court with Judge Sheila Gooden presiding. I presented my case with numerous issues, I am an retired Chicago Police Officer, the area is designated as a “Drop Off’ area, not a “Parking area”. There are no stall markings, no colored curb markings and no posted signage. I also presented a letter from Scottsdale Library Manager Bill Pillow stating that the area in question is in fact a “Drop Off” area.

Judge Sheila Gooden summarily dismissed all of my issues, including the letter from Bill Pillow, stating that “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” And found me guilty on a preponderance of the evidence. I paid my fine and then went to the next window and paid to appeal the case.

I arrived at the courthouse at about 9: 20 am found my courtroom and sat down. The courtroom was empty. I was on the docket for 10 am. At about 9:45 am a girl walked through the courtroom and I asked her if I could use the easel and she said it would be ok. So I wrote all of my issues on the easel for easy reference. 10 am came and went; as did 10:05, 10:10, 10:15 and 10:20 am with no one in the courtroom.

The girl momentarily appeared again and I wanted to confirm that I was on the docket for 10 am. She confirmed my time and told me that the reason for the delay, was that the prosecutor was having some difficulty finding the courthouse. I was being watched from the shadows, for at 10:23 as I arose to leave the courtroom, it suddenly populated with the Judge and the prosecutor.

Judge M. Jean Hoag presiding asked if I were the defendant and I said yes. She then asked where my attorney was. I told her it was a simple citation and I was going to defend myself. Judge M. Jean Hoag screamed at me from the bench… “WELL THEN STAND UP AND LET’S GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD!!!!! YOU HAVE 7 MINUTES. I told the Judge that it might take a little longer, may I please have a continuance to come back when you have more time. Judge Hoag said… “You have 7 minutes.” I presented my case and Judge Hoag said… “I’ll give you my verdict in 30 days.” I told the Judge that wasn’t very fair. Irritated, Judge Hoag asked, “What do you mean by that? I said, You gave me 7 minutes and now you’re going to take 30 days. Judge Hoag replied… “Would you like 30 days?” I told the Judge that I have already presented my case within the narrow time limit and I didn’t need any more time and I left, escaping a veiled contempt charge. Ironically Judge Hoag was the most contemptuous person in the courtroom

My complaint to the Judicial Conduct Committee was how could I be found guilty of parking beyond the parking stall markings when…

  1)  It’s a clearly marked “Drop Off” area, not a parking area.

  2) There are no stall markings to be parked over.

Both complaints were totally dismissed. This is corruption at the highest levels of Arizona’s Government.

Judge M.Jean Hoag is better known as “Screaming Jean” Since I was falsely convicted, the City has relegated the area to City Vehicles only. I have included photos and the names of all the  Commission Members.