CJC No. 10192-F-192
November 19, 2021
From an agreed statement of facts, Spokane Municipal Court Judge Matthew Antush stipulated that he violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1 and 1.2, and Canon 2, Rules 2.2, 2.3 and 2.10 of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Antush violated the Code by making comments that were critical of the prosecution’s case in a matter over which he was presiding and that was pending before a jury. He made the comments to two court employees after a hearing, not realizing he was broadcasting over a YouTube connection that was left running after the hearing concluded. The Commission admonished Judge Antush and ordered him to promptly review the Code.
Certificate of Completion and Order filed 2/4/2022.
Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Admonishment filed 11/19/2021.
CJC No. 9848-F-191
April 23, 2021
From an agreed statement of facts, Cowlitz County District Court Judge Debra Burchett stipulated that she violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, and Canon 2, Rules 2.2, 2.5(A), 2.6(A) and 2.9(C), of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge Burchett violated the Code by failing to properly advise criminal defendants of their constitutional rights at probation review hearings; by engaging in an ex parte investigation of a probation matter; by eliciting statements against interest from criminal defendants; by recommending defendants use specific businesses; by presiding over cases in which a disqualification had previously been filed; and by failing to determine who was attempting to appear in court via Zoom, thereby not ensuring their right to be heard. The Commission reprimanded Judge Burchett and ordered her to complete four hours of ethics training, continue to work with a mentor judge and promptly read the Code.
Stipulation, Agreement and Order of Reprimand filed 4/23/2021.
CJC No. 9608-F-189
February 5, 2021
The Commission conducted a public hearing on allegations that Judge David Keenan of the King County Superior Court violated Canon 1, Rules 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 by appearing in a bus advertisement for North Seattle College which used his judicial title. The Commission found that he created the appearance of impropriety by approving language in the ad which could lead a reasonable person to conclude he lacked impartiality. The Commission also found that by allowing the ad to use his title and photograph, he abused the prestige of judicial office to promote the college and advance its economic interests. The Commission admonished Judge Keenan. The State Supreme Court reversed the Commission’s findings and dismissed (see below).
Supreme Court Order In re Honorable David Keenan Supreme Court No. 201,996-0 filed 2/10/2022.
Commission Decision and Order filed 2/5/2021.
Concurring Opinion filed 2/5/2021.
Opinion Dissenting in Part - 1 filed 2/5/2021.
Opinion Dissenting in Part - 2 filed 2/5/2021.
Opinion Dissenting in Part - 3 filed 2/5/2021.
Notice of Fact-Finding Hearing filed 8/6/2020.
Answer of Respondent filed 7/20/2020.
Statement of Charges filed 7/6/2020.