King County judge accused of violating judicial code in support of Amanda Knox

A King County judge has been accused of violating the state's Code of Judicial Conduct for speaking out and writing on behalf of Amanda Knox during her murder trial in Italy.

Superior Court Judge Michael Heavey was outspoken in his criticism of the Italian judicial system and steadfast in his belief that Knox was being railroaded.

The Commission on Judicial Conduct, in allegations filed Tuesday, said Heavey's widely publicized opinions violated fundamental canons of judicial integrity and objectivity.

The allegations say Heavey, a 10-year veteran of the Superior Court bench, attempted to influence the outcome of Knox's trial by writing to a trio of Italian judges on King County court stationery. He also allegedly directed county court staff to write letters.

Heavey also spoke publicly a number of times about his concerns over Knox's treatment and his belief that she was innocent.

If found in violation of the code, he could face punishment from the state Supreme Court ranging from a written admonishment to suspension or removal from the bench, commission Executive Director Reiko Callner said.

Knox, a former University of Washington student, was a friend and schoolmate of Heavey's daughter when she was arrested in 2007 in Perugia, Italy, and charged with others in the slaying of her roommate, British student Meredith Kercher. Knox, 22, was convicted in December of murder, sexual assault and obstruction of justice and received a 26-year prison sentence.

News reports say Heavey wrote the council that oversees the Italian judiciary to seek a change of venue for Knox and to protest leaks of evidence by prosecutors and investigators in the salacious case.

"Amanda Knox is in grave danger of being convicted of the murder because of illegal and improper poisoning of public opinion and judicial opinion," he wrote, according to a Seattle Times story at the time. Heavey also consulted with Knox's defense team.

The commission alleges that Heavey attempted to influence the outcome of the proceedings and failed to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

"Judges may not, under the Code of Judicial Conduct, lend the prestige of judicial office to advance the private interests of others," Callner wrote.

Heavey, in a statement released Tuesday evening, denied doing anything improper.

"My letters were basically to speak out against the injustice of improper actions designed to prevent a fair and impartial trial. This is not advancing a private interest. It is addressing fundamental principles of due process and fairness."

Heavey said he hopes the Commission on Judicial Conduct will agree that "my actions were to serve the interests of justice."

Heavey has three weeks to formally respond to the allegations, at which time the commission will schedule a public hearing.

During the King County Bar Association's most recent survey of Superior Court judges, released in January 2008, Heavey ranked near the bottom of the list. The survey, done every four years, rated judges based on legal decision-making; demeanor, temperament and communication; administrative skills; and integrity and impartiality.

Under integrity and impartiality, Heavey scored a 3.56 in a 5-point rating system, below the court average of 4.19 but ranking between "acceptable" and "very good."

Mike Carter: 206-464-3706 or mcarter@seattletimes.com