Name: Ramon P. Reid
Title: Judge
Court: Wapato Municipal Court
County: Yakima
Discipline: Resignation
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 11/03/2003
Canons Violated:Dismissed
Summary: In May 2003, the Commission issued a Statement of Charges that Judge Ramon P. Reid, then judge of the Toppenish and Wapato Municipal Courts, Yakima County, had violated the Code of Judicial Conduct by engaging in a pattern or practice of violating criminal defendants' fundamental constitutional and statutory due process rights in criminal proceedings, by failing to maintain order and decorum in the courtroom, by failing to treat litigants and others with dignity and courtesy and by condoning such behavior by others subject to his direction, and by failing to perform his judicial duties without bias or prejudice. Thereafter, Judge Reid resigned his judicial offices and agreed not to serve in any future judicial position without the Commission's approval. Judge Reid also stipulated that his conduct, if established, would support a determination that he violated the Code of Judicial Conduct. In view of these events, and in light of the potential costs for further proceedings, and the fact that the Commission previously admonished Judge Reid in 2001 for violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct, the Commission determined that its goal to maintain confidence and integrity in the judicial system was adequately addressed by terminating disciplinary proceedings against former Judge Reid on October 29, 2003.
Case Documents Available:
Corrected Order of Dismissal filed 11/3/2003.
Answer to Statement of Charges filed 6/12/2003.
Statement of Charges filed 5/23/2003.