---
title: "Donald J. Colistro | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/donald-j-colistro-chief-judge-tribal-courts-kalispel-tribal-court-nics-1106-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Donald J. Colistro

Tribal Courts - Kalispel Tribal Court (NICS) · Chief Judge

## Profile

- Court: Tribal Courts - Kalispel Tribal Court (NICS)
- State: Washington
- Role: Chief 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=1106&orgid=139)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1106&orgid=139)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=1106&orgid=139)
- [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 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.



## 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.