Where applicable, the following public cases may include Commission decisions, statements of charges, answers to statements of charges, exhibits, and/or supreme court decisions. These documents are available for download as Adobe Acrobat PDF files.

In re the Honorable Adalia A. Hille

From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission found that Adams County District Court Judge Adalia Hille violated Canons 1, 2(A), 3(A)(1) and 3(A)(4) of the Code of Judicial Conduct by engaging in a regular practice of conducting mitigation hearings on civil infractions by automatically reducing the fine proposed, rather than conducting hearings as required by law. By omitting any opportunity for a person with an infraction to explain the mitigating circumstances to the court, Respondent's practice was at odds with clear and established law and denied those individuals who requested mitigation hearings their right to be heard according to the law. Although the court's practice may have benefitted some people as well as the court in terms of convenience, judges may not disregard the law for the sake of expediency. The Commission admonished Judge Hille and ordered her to promptly read and familiarize herself with the Code of Judicial Conduct.

Certificate of Completion and Order filed 2/11/2011.

Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Admonishment filed 12/3/2010.

 

In re the Honorable Frank V. LaSalata

From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission found that King County District Court Judge Frank LaSalata violated Canons 1, 2(A) and 3(A)(3) of the Code of Judicial Conduct. The judge agreed that the manner in which he spoke to a legal intern who was appearing before him in court could have reasonably caused her to be alarmed. The Commission admonished Judge LaSalata for engaging in discourteous and intolerant behavior in his official capacity which could erode the public’s confidence in the impartiality and integrity of the judicial system.

Certificate of Completion and Order filed 12/3/2010.

Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Admonishment filed 9/24/2010.

 

In re the Honorable Michael Heavey

From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission found that King County Superior Court Judge Michael J. Heavey violated Canons 1, 2(A) and 2(B) of the Code of Judicial Conduct by using his status as a judge to attempt to influence a criminal proceeding in another country; thereby exploiting his judicial office for the specific benefit of another. The Commission admonished Judge Heavey.

Certificate of Completion and Order filed 9/24/2010.

Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Admonishment filed 9/24/2010.

Answer to Statement of Charges filed 6/25/2010.

Statement of Charges filed 6/8/2010.

 

In re the Honorable Michael Hecht

The Commission accepted a stipulation by former Pierce County Superior Court Judge Michael Hecht and disciplinary counsel that the former judge had been charged, convicted and sentenced in Pierce County Superior Court to one count of Patronizing a Prostitute and one count of felony Harassment, and that those convictions constituted a violation of Canons 1 and 2(A). The Commission panel further considered briefing of the parties in considering a sanction for the violations, and concluded that censure was clearly warranted. The panel found: “The salacious and severe nature of Respondent’s criminal conduct has brought great dishonor to the judiciary of this state.” Noting that Respondent has previously resigned his judicial office, the panel recommended to the Supreme Court that it disqualify Respondent from future judicial office in addition to the sanction of censure.

Supreme Court Order filed 8/5/2010.

Commission Decision filed 5/14/2010.

Stipulation and Cancellation of Fact-Finding Hearing filed 1/14/2010.

Statement of Charges filed 4/15/2009.

 

In re the Honorable John R. Henry

From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission determined that Garfield County District Court Judge John Henry violated Canons 1, 2(A), and 3(A)(3) when he engaged in remarks and conduct that were reasonably perceived to be offensive in a sexual context with two separate female attorneys who appeared before him in court. Judge Henry was reprimanded. Although, the conduct in question took place outside of the courtroom, judicial officers are held to a high standard of conduct and must be scrupulous and cautious in their interpersonal conduct towards attorneys who practice in their court. Judge Henry was required to participate at his own expense in training or counseling that focuses on harassment prevention. The remedial training or counseling had to be approved in advance by the Commission’s Chair, or the Chair’s designee, and any evaluation for counseling was required to commence within 60 days of filing of the stipulation and order. Judge Henry was obliged to provide proof of satisfactory completion within one year from the entry of the order.

Certificate of Completion and Order filed 7/9/2010.

Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Reprimand filed 5/14/2010.

 

In re the Honorable Toni A. Sheldon

From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission determined that Mason County Superior Court Judge Toni Sheldon violated Canons 1, 2(A), and 3(A)(6) by taking more than the time permitted by the State Constitution, state statute, and the Code of Judicial Conduct in deciding two cases before her. Judge Sheldon was previously sanctioned by the Commission in 2002 for decisional delay. In mitigation, the Commission considered that Judge Sheldon is generally recognized as a conscientious jurist, and that she has disclosed compelling personal circumstances she experienced that were not of her making, but which contributed to these delays. She has also provided assurances to the Commission that she has addressed these circumstances adequately to avoid repetition. The Commission reprimanded the judge.

Certificate of Completion and Order 9/9/2011.

Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Reprimand filed 5/14/2010.

ment and Order of Reprimand (940 KB) filed DD/MM/YYYY.