Snohomish County District Court Judge Timothy Ryan agreed to a reprimand Friday from the state’s judicial watchdog agency for taking compensation for performing weddings during regular court hours.
The state’s Judicial Conduct Commission said Ryan was wrong when he accepted $25 to $50, usually in cash, for performing ceremonies during the noon hour or at 8:30 a.m. or 4 p.m.
Judges aren’t supposed to charge during regular court hours, since they are already salaried for those hours, but can collect an honorarium after-hours.
Ryan told the commission he thought “regular court hours” referred to the time he was actually on the bench. The commission held otherwise.
Ryan has agreed to not repeat the conduct, to take a judicial ethics class and to maintain records of money he receives for weddings, and when they occur.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
