Disgraced Santa Clara County ex-Judge William Danser dies

Jurist was convicted of a ticket-fixing scandal more than 12 years ago

SARATOGA — William Richard Danser, a former Santa Clara County Superior Court judge convicted in a ticket-fixing scandal more than a decade ago, has died. He was 62.

Danser died at his home Tuesday, according to a statement issued by Presiding Judge Risë Pichon.

Danser served as a judge for nearly a decade, but he is perhaps best known for his own run-in with the law. In 2004, he was convicted of one felony and eight misdemeanors for providing preferential treatment to friends and some members of the San Jose Sharks and San Jose Earthquakes in his handling of 29 traffic-ticket cases and four DUI cases. Danser was banned for life from serving as a judge and eventually disbarred. But he succeeded in persuading the trial judge to reduce his felony to a misdemeanor in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Gallagher, who served as presiding judge in 2007 and 2008, and three sons.

“The court extends its most heartfelt condolences to Judge Gallagher and her family on their loss,” said Santa Clara County Superior Court spokesman Joseph D. Macaluso.

Funeral arrangements are pending, according to Pichon.