--- title: "Andrea K. Russell | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/andrea-k-russell-judge-adams-county-district-court-ritzville-1782-wa" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Andrea K. Russell Adams County - District Court - Ritzville · Judge ## Profile - Court: Adams County - District Court - Ritzville - State: Washington - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### photography recording Scope: statewide Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission. Evidence excerpt: Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judge [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### limitations on recording Scope: statewide If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed. Evidence excerpt: Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumption [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1782&orgid=131) - [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1782&orgid=131) - [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1782&orgid=131) - [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/andrea-k-russell-judge-adams-county-district-court-ritzville-1782-wa", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/andrea-k-russell-judge-adams-county-district-court-ritzville-1782-wa", "name": "Andrea K. 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Russell", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/andrea-k-russell-judge-adams-county-district-court-ritzville-1782-wa" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - Also listed as a non‐partisan challenger for the Adams County District Court Judge Position 1 in 2026 - Non‐partisan judge of the Adams County District Court in Ritzville, Washington, appointed in July 2021 to replace the retired Hon. Adalia A. Hille - Assistant Attorney General in Alaska (2002–2006) - Assistant District Attorney with the Alaska Department of Law (2000) ### Education - B.A. in Architecture from Wellesley College (1988) and a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law (1997). ### Additional information - Before joining the bench, Russell had over four years as a prosecutor with the Adams County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office - handling misdemeanors, juvenile cases, truancy, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife violations. - Private practice in family law and criminal defense - Associate Victim Rights Attorney in Alaska - Magistrate in Alaska - Russell has emphasized the importance of understanding local community concerns and balancing them with the circumstances of defendants. - Adams County District Court, which handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, traffic infractions, domestic violence and anti‐harassment protection petitions, name change petitions, small claims (up to $10,000), and civil claims up to $100,000. - She has stated her goal is to be fair, impartial, and ensure just outcomes. - Russell resides in Ritzville with her husband, Nick Russell. - She was appointed by the Board of Adams County Commissioners after Hille’s retirement. ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7133c6bd26c80972b86e0d31) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.