Lower County District Court - District Court Judge · Kittitas County

Most people hope to never become involved in either the criminal or civil legal system. However, when they do find themselves in court, they deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity. Over the past eight years as the Lower Kittitas County District Court judge, I have been committed to making that expectation a reality. Since taking office, I have worked closely with various justice system stakeholders to establish the first Kittitas County Department of Public Defense, ensuring effective legal representation for individuals charged with crimes who are unable to afford an attorney. I also have collaborated with Upper Kittitas County District Court to develop Washington State’s only multi-district therapeutic court. Since 2022, the Behavioral Health Court has served more than 30 individuals in our community who are experiencing substance use disorders and/or severe and persistent mental illness. In May 2026, the court successfully transitioned to Washington State’s new statewide court management system, Enterprise Justice, a major modernization effort requiring extensive coordination, training, and implementation across court operations