Panel rules judge was demeaning

A Municipal Court judge in Tukwila has been admonished by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct for his "rude and demeaning" treatment of defendants.

Judge Peter Lukevich, who received the formal, written admonishment on Friday, has been a judge for three years, presiding over traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases.

He was accused of humiliating and intimidating defendants by repeatedly interrupting them and using an angry tone of voice.

Lukevich said he was only trying to ensure compliance with court rules and convey the seriousness of the proceedings. But in hindsight, he said, he sees that his comments could be perceived as harsh and inappropriate.

"I'm glad the matter has been resolved," Lukevich said.

He heard cases Friday and did not attend the commission meeting in SeaTac. "I think it's important that I concentrate again on my duties as a judge," he said.

The admonishment is a written advisory that warns against continuing a particular kind of behavior, said David Akana, executive director of the commission.

Lukevich also is required to attend training classes in demeanor and communication style.

The commission charged Lukevich with inappropriate behavior after investigating three complaints filed against him last year.

In his response to the charges, Lukevich said the three cases at issue were not evidence of a pattern, but isolated incidents out of more than 20,000 hearings in his courtroom last year.

The commission decision was a victory for Jackie Dempere, a Venezuelan immigrant who filed one of the complaints. She said Lukevich was rude and impatient with her when she appeared before him, and he mimicked her accent.

"I just want people to know that it happened," she said after hearing the commission read the admonishment. "Hopefully, it encourages people to stand up and protect themselves and the community."

"This shows that you can in fact complain about a judge and get results," said Lonnie Nelson, a member of Seattle-based Mothers for Police Accountability. "It sends a message that people are checking up on justice in the courts."

Tukwila City Administrator John McFarland defended Lukevich's "no-nonsense" courtroom demeanor.

Municipal Court judges are appointed by a city council or mayor.

The commission, an independent judicial body, reviews all complaints against judges. It can decide to dismiss charges or issue a censure, admonishment or reprimand. It also can recommend the state Supreme Court either suspend or remove a judge.