Former Pierce County judge getting only fraction of requested restitution

TACOMA, Wash. -- A former Pierce County judge who asked for $1.5 million in compensation after his convictions were overturned on appeal will only see a fraction of that figure.

The News Tribune reports that a King County judge has ruled that former judge Michael Hecht is only entitled to the $2,050 for court fees and fines he paid.

Hecht was convicted by a jury in 2009 of patronizing a prostitution and felony harassment.

Hecht maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings against him and argued the prosecution was part of a political vendetta by a judge he unseated.

Hecht fulfilled all the terms of his sentence, but in 2014 the Washington Appeals Court overturned his convictions, saying he didn't receive a fair trial.

Hecht's lawyer had argued he was entitled to restitution because he completed his sentence.