Name: Russell Heaton, Jr.
Title: Judge
Court: Moxee City Municipal Court
County: Yakima
Discipline: Resignation
Method of Resolution: Stipulation
Discipline Date: 03/01/1991
Canons Violated:2(A), 3(A)(1), 4
Summary: The Commission dismissed a complaint against a municipal court judge based on the judge's stipulation that he committed misconduct and the judge's agreement to resign and not seek or serve in any judicial office in Washington without a favorable recommendation from the Commission and approval of the state Supreme Court. The judge stipulated that he had committed procedural irregularities in violation of state law requirements, denying defendants the right to be heard and to a determination of the facts before disposition of a case and failing to provide interpreters in all matters involving non-English speaking defendants, that he had not completed the lay judge examination or mandatory training requirements, and that he had discussed pending cases with police officers outside the presence of the individuals charged.
Case Documents Available:
Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Dismissal filed 3/1/1991.
Statement of Charges filed 1/15/1991.