Hicks' legal fees up to $58K

The Western News

So far, the legal bills have added up to $58,365.18 Š but Lincoln County is on the hook for only $40,000.

Those figures are in reference to the sizeable legal expenses racked up to defend Lincoln County justice of the peace Gary Hicks during last month’s hearing by the Montana Judicial Standards Commission.

Hicks is accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and advances against women.

The county initially refused to pay legal fees. But Hicks filed suit and on Aug. 13 – just days before the hearings – district judge Katherine Curtis ordered the county to get out its checkbook.

“Lincoln County contends that, if the allegations against Judge Hicks are true, the conduct alleged constitutes oppression, fraud and/or malice and is conduct which is outside the course and scope of Judge Hick’s employment eliminating any requirement that Lincoln County pay for Judge Hicks’ defense,” reads a press release by county commissioners.

Hicks was defended at the hearing by Tammi Fisher, an attorney from Kalispell.

After the judge’s order, the county was able to negotiate the $40,000 settlement. Through that agreement, the county will be entitled to reimbursement of some or all of the payment if the judicial commission finds in favor of Hicks and awards him attorney fees and costs.

The commission conducted its hearing on Aug. 19-20 and did not arrive at a decision.

A recommendation is expected to be filed with the clerk of the Montana Supreme Court at any time.