Crutchley to be sworn in Friday as Deschutes County judge

The investiture ceremony for Raymond Crutchley as a Deschutes County Circuit Court judge is set for 3 p.m. on Friday in Courtroom A of the Deschutes County Courthouse.

Presiding Judge Wells B. Ashby will preside over the ceremony and administer the oath of office.

Crutchley takes the position previously held by Judge Alta J. Brady, who retired at the end of 2017.

Governor Kate Brown announced Crutchley’s appointment to the bench on Feb. 23. His term of office runs through December 31, 2018. Crutchley will have to stand for election in 2018 for the full six-year term commencing on January 1, 2019.

Presiding Judge Wells Ashby praised a judicial selection process that included participation at both the local and state level.

“Despite a busy schedule, the Governor’s Office, working in partnership with local attorneys, put together a thoughtful and thorough selection process,” said Judge Ashby. “Mr. Crutchley has worked for the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for several years. We are familiar with his excellent work, professionalism and integrity. The citizens of Deschutes County will be well served by his respect for the rule of law and commitment to justice.”

Crutchley has served as a Deputy District Attorney in Deschutes County since 2015. Previously, Crutchley maintained a private law practice in Northeast Portland and Hillsboro focusing on criminal defense and civil cases. Crutchley received his law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in 1999 and an undergraduate degree from Queens College in 1995. He served in the United States Marine Corps for four years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1992.