George F.B. Appel at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
George F.B. Appel
Biography
Professional career
- George F.B. Appel’s career spans over three decades in law, from prosecutorial work to his current role as a Superior Court judge
- His contributions to the legal field, community involvement, and continued service on the bench highlight his dedication to justice and public service in Snohomish County, Washington
Education
- Law degree from the University of the Pacific School of Law in 1992.
Additional information
- He successfully filed for re-election in 2016 and was automatically re-elected, as no challengers filed by the deadline.
- Elected to the Snohomish County Superior Court bench on November 4, 2008.
- That same year, he was admitted to the California Bar, and in 1993, he gained admission to the Washington State Bar, marking the start of his legal career in his home state.
- handling a wide range of civil and criminal cases.
- Outside the courtroom, Judge Appel is active in his community.
- Before joining the bench, Judge Appel served in the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office, where he advanced to the position of Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the criminal division.
- He continues to serve on the Superior Court
- Judge Appel is married and has two sons.
- Judge George F.B. Appel was raised in Seattle, Washington.
- In addition to his judicial duties, he participates in the Law and Justice Committee and is a member of the Washington State Judges Association, contributing to the broader legal community.
- He serves on the board of his local YMCA and engages in civic activities that support public service and community development.
- His personal and professional life reflects a commitment to both family and public service.
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
Snohomish County - Superior Court
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 ↗