Donald J. Colistro at a glance
- Current role
- Chief Judge
- Court
- Tribal Courts - Kalispel Tribal Court (NICS)
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Donald J. Colistro
Chief Judge · Tribal Courts - Kalispel Tribal Court (NICS)
Biography
Professional career
- The Chief Judge of the Kalispel Tribal Court in Cusick, Washington, with a background in law enforcement, prosecution, and private legal practice
Education
- Graduated from Washington State University and Gonzaga University School of Law.
Additional information
- Tribal Service: Joined the Kalispel Tribe in 2017 as a Staff Attorney, later as Prosecutor in the Tribe’s Legal Unit, and most recently as Associate Judge before becoming Chief Judge.
- Legal Career: Former prosecuting attorney and private practice lawyer
- handling criminal and civil cases.
- Law Enforcement: Extensive prior service with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Chief Judge of the Kalispel Tribal Court, a position appointed by the Tribal Council.
- The court promotes tribal sovereignty, cultural traditions, and adherence to law
- handling cases within the Kalispel Tribe’s jurisdiction.
- In summary: Judge Donald J. Colistro is a seasoned legal professional and tribal leader, combining decades of law enforcement, prosecution, and private legal work with his current role as Chief Judge of the Kalispel Tribal Court, where he upholds tribal sovereignty and justice.
- Colistro has been recognized for high professional achievement, ethical standards, and legal knowledge, with a 4.4/5.0 peer rating.
- He has also received Avvo Top Contributor and Client’s Choice awards.
- Colistro was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, is married, and has three grown children.
- He enjoys fly fishing and other outdoor activities.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Recording and broadcasting
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.
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 judgeWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Statewide
If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.
Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumptionWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Tribal Courts - Kalispel Tribal Court (NICS)
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 ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster ↗Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗