Opinion
2 JD 2016
07-14-2016
IN RE: Jeffrey S. Joy Former Magisterial District Judge District Court 19-3-04 Nineteenth Judicial District York County
ANSWER TO COMPLAINT
AND NOW, to wit, this 14th day of July, 2016, comes Jeffrey S. Joy, by and through his attorney Christopher A. Ferro, Esquire of The Law Office of Christopher A. Ferro, LLC, and files the following Answer:
1.-5. Admitted. Part I:
6.-15. Admitted. Part II. CHARGES:
16. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that by virtue of "some" of the facts collectively set forth in Part I of the instant complaint, Mr. Joy is subject to discipline for violating the rules governing standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges. However, Mr. Joy cannot concede that "all of the facts" as identified in Part I of the Complaint are true and correct. To the contrary, Mr. Joy's plea of no contest acknowledged an understanding of the factual basis necessary to support the criminal conviction, but never agreed to the blanket statement of facts asserted by the Commonwealth. What is admitted is that Mr. Joy's did not act, at all times, in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the Judiciary and, as such, violated Cannon 1, Rule 1.2 of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct. Mr. Joy further acknowledges being in violation of Cannon 1, Rule 1.1 and that he failed to "comply with the law" as a result of his conviction for a misdemeanor of the second degree. Finally, Mr. Joy acknowledges and concedes that by virtue of his convictions for two counts of official oppression, he has violated Article V, Section 18(d)(1) by engaging in conduct which "brings the judicial office into disrepute, whether or not the conduct occurred while acting in a judicial capacity or was prohibited by law."
WHEREFORE, Jeffrey S. Joy, former Magisterial District Judge of York County, concedes he is subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Article V, Section 18(d)(1).
Respectfully submitted,
/s/_________
Christopher A. Ferro, Esquire
Sup. Ct. I.D. # PA85057
The Law Office of
Christopher A. Ferro LLC
160 E. Market St., York PA 17401
(717) 668-8159; Fax: (717) 668-8388
Chris@Ferrolawfirm.com CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Christopher A. Ferro, Esquire, of The Law Office of Christopher A. Ferro, LLC, hereby certify that on July 14, 2016, a copy of the Answer to Complaint, was served by US first class mail, postage prepaid upon the following attorney and/or individuals of record: Francis J. Puskas, II, Deputy Chief Counsel
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Judicial Conduct Board
Pennsylvania Judicial Center
601 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 3500
PO BOX 62525
Harrisburg PA 17106-2525
Respectfully submitted,
/s/_________
Christopher A. Ferro, Esquire
Sup. Ct. I.D. # PA85057
The Law Office of
Christopher A. Ferro, LLC
160 E. Market St., York PA 17401
(717) 668-8159; Fax: (717) 668-8388
Chris@Ferrolawfirm.com