Name: Michael Hecht
Title: Judge
Court: Pierce County Superior Court
County: Pierce
Discipline: Censure & Disqualification
Method of Resolution: Supreme Court affirmed
Discipline Date: 05/14/2010
Summary: 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. The State Supreme Court approved the Commission's decision and disqualified Judge Hecht from future judicial office.
Case Documents Available:
Supreme Court Order In re Honorable Michael Hecht Supreme Court No. 200,816-0 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.