Judge issued reprimand

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005 | 9:29 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- The state Commission on Judicial Discipline Tuesday issued a public reprimand to District Judge Charles McGee, who retired this month after being arrested and convicted of drunken driving in Washoe County.

McGee, who is now a senior District Court judge, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor Dec. 26 and was sentenced to 48 hours in jail, ordered to pay $695 in fines and costs and directed to attend professional counseling meetings. He was also ordered to abstain from liquor and drugs and to submit to alcohol testing for six months.

McGee, who took office in January 1985, offered a stipulation to the Discipline Commission that was accepted.

The commission, in a Jan. 3 letter signed by former chairman Frank Brusa, said, "It is clear beyond any doubt that your behavior, which led to a criminal conviction, was socially aberrant." He said the driving under the influence of alcohol conviction "demeaned the judicial office you have held for so long."

Brusa said McGee "performed valuable service for many years" and the judge deserved recognition. As a senior judge, Brusa said McGee can contribute to resolving legal disputes but he must "maintain a course of strict sobriety that creates in reasonable minds a perception that your ability to carry out judicial responsibility with integrity, impartiality and competence is not impaired."