--- title: "Jenifer G. Howson | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jenifer-g-howson-judge-skagit-county-municipal-courts-anacortes-847-wa" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Jenifer G. Howson Skagit County - Municipal Courts - Anacortes · Judge ## Profile - Court: Skagit County - Municipal Courts - Anacortes - 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=847&orgid=602) - [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=847&orgid=602) - [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=847&orgid=602) - [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/jenifer-g-howson-judge-skagit-county-municipal-courts-anacortes-847-wa", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jenifer-g-howson-judge-skagit-county-municipal-courts-anacortes-847-wa", "name": "Jenifer G. 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Howson", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jenifer-g-howson-judge-skagit-county-municipal-courts-anacortes-847-wa" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - Commissioner: Skagit County District Court Commissioner from 2017 to 2021 - Judge on the Skagit County District Court in Washington, appointed in 2020, with a background in criminal law, domestic violence, and DUI/DWI cases - Private Practice: Owner of Howson Law Office, specializing in criminal law, domestic violence, and DUI/DWI matters - Other Judicial Service: Municipal Court Judge and Commissioner roles in Mount Vernon, Anacortes, and Burlington - Additional Roles: Also serves as a Municipal Court Judge for Mount Vernon, Anacortes, and Burlington ### Education - University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law — J.D. (1989) - Political Science and Government, University of Washington — B.A. (1984) ### Additional information - In June 2022, the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct admonished Judge Howson for delaying decisions in three small claims cases — one by nearly two years and others by 4–13 months — violating the Code of Judicial Conduct’s requirement for prompt resolution. - Appointment: By the Skagit County Board of Commissioners on November 25, 2020, filling a vacancy after Hon. Thomas L. Verge’s elevation to the Skagit County Superior Court. - Ordered to review the Code of Judicial Conduct. - Judge Howson emphasizes fairness, equity, and transparency in judicial proceedings, and is active in professional and community organizations such as Skagit Women in Business and Skagit Women and Alliance Network. - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. ## 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.