Justice of the Peace disciplined for misconduct in office

PHOENIX (AP) - The judge who oversees the Superior-Kearny Justice Court has been formally censured for misconduct in office by the state's Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Justice of the Peace Larry A. Bravo failed to disclose a business relationship with a litigant who appeared before him in two hearings involving orders of protection.

Bravo did not contest the discipline imposed by the commission and acknowledged violating several judicial rules. The commission also announced Wednesday that Bravo's actions constituted conduct that reflected badly on his office.

A formal censure is one of the lower forms of discipline that can be imposed on judges.

Bravo also serves as the magistrate judge for the town of Hayden.

Justice courts handle low-level criminal matters such as drunken-driving cases as well as civil matters like evictions.