Name: A. Eugene Hammermaster
Title: Judge
Court: Sumner Municipal Court
County: Pierce
Discipline: Censure & Suspension
Method of Resolution: Supreme Court affirmed but amended sanction
Discipline Date: 08/07/1998
Canons Violated:2(A), 3(A)(1), 3(A)(3)
Summary: The Commission conducted a hearing on allegations of misconduct by Judge A. Eugene Hammermaster, Judge of the Sumner, Orting, Wilkeson, and South Prairie Municipal Courts in Pierce County. The Commission found that Judge Hammermaster violated Canons 2(A), 3(A)(1) and 3(A)(3) of the Code of Judicial Conduct by exhibiting patterns of conduct involving failure to respect and comply with the law, disrespectful and undignified conduct, and violations of fundamental procedural rights of criminal defendants. The Commission censured the judge and recommended to the Washington State Supreme Court that Judge Hammermaster be suspended from office for 30 days without pay. The State Supreme Court affirmed the Commission's findings, found an additional violation of Canon 3(A)(3), and imposed a six-month suspension.
Case Documents Available:
Supreme Court Opinion In re Honorable A. Eugene Hammermaster 139 Wn.2d 211 filed 10/7/1999.
Commission Decision filed 8/7/1998.
Dissent filed 8/7/1998.
Answer to Amended Statement of Charges filed 5/13/1998.
Amended Statement of Charges filed 4/22/1998.
Answer to Statement of Charges filed 9/24/1997.
Statement of Charges filed 8/28/1997.
Exhibits filed 8/28/1997.