---
title: "Carolyn J. Benzel | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/carolyn-j-benzel-judge-adams-county-municipal-courts-othello-11216-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Carolyn J. Benzel

Adams County - Municipal Courts - Othello · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Adams County - Municipal Courts - Othello
- 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=11216&orgid=982)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11216&orgid=982)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11216&orgid=982)
- [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)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- The Presiding Judge for Adams County District Court in Othello, Washington, appointed in 2017, and is currently running for re‐election in the 2026 general election
- In summary: Judge Carolyn J. Benzel is a seasoned legal professional with a background in prosecution and private practice, now serving as the presiding judge in Adams County’s district court, and is seeking re‐election in 2026

### Education

- B.A., University of Virginia J.D., Seattle University School of Law

### Additional information

- Appointed: 2017 by the Board of Adams County Commissioners
- Career before bench: Private practice attorney Deputy Prosecutor, Franklin County Senior Deputy Prosecutor, Grant County Chief Deputy Prosecutor, Adams County



## 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.