Name: Ralph Baldwin
Title: Judge
Court: Lakewood Municipal Court
County: Pierce
Discipline: Censure & Resignation
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 06/05/1998
Canons Violated:1, 2(A), 3(A)(1), 3(A)(2), 3(A)(3), 3(B)(1), 3(B)(2)
Summary: From an agreed statement of facts, the Commission determined that Judge Ralph H. Baldwin violated Canons 1, 2(A), 3(A)(1), 3(A)(2), 3(A)(3), 3(B)(1) and 3(B)(2) of the Code of Judicial Conduct by bringing, sharing and consuming alcohol on court premises at the conclusion of a jury trial of a defendant charged with driving under the influence. The Commission censured the judge. As part of the stipulation, the judge also resigned from office, and agreed not to seek or serve in any position performing judicial functions in the future without the prior approval of the Commission.
Case Documents Available:
Stipulation, Agreement, and Order of Censure filed 6/5/1998.