ETHICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
STATE OF WASHINGTON
OPINION NO. 86-7



QUESTION

     May a full time District Court judge serve as an uncompensated hearing
officer, as the designee of the county sheriff, to preside at property
seizure/forfeiture hearings held pursuant to RCW 69.50.505(e)?


ANSWER

     It is not proper under the Code of Judicial Conduct Canon 2(A) for a
full time District Court judge to serve as an uncompensated hearing
officer, as the designee of the county sheriff, to preside at property
seizure/forfeiture hearings held pursuant to RCW 69.50.505(e).