Joseph A. Evans at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Joseph A. Evans
Judge · Pierce County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- Beyond his courtroom duties, Judge Evans has been actively involved in criminal justice reform
- Judge Joseph Evans was appointed to the Pierce County Superior Court by Governor Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy in Department 16, officially taking over in early November following the retirement of Judge Elizabeth Martin
- Judge Evans’ career demonstrates a combination of legal proficiency, leadership in juvenile law, and active engagement in reform initiatives, making him a prominent figure in Pierce County’s judicial system
- He held the role of Program Manager for the Pierce County Executive’s Criminal Justice Reform Work Group
Education
- Seattle University School of Law and completed undergraduate studies at the University of Washington-Tacoma — J.D.
Additional information
- As a Superior Court Judge in Department 16, Judge Evans presides over a variety of civil and criminal cases, applying his extensive trial experience and commitment to equitable justice.
- His work reflects both legal expertise and a dedication to community service, particularly in areas of juvenile justice and systemic reform.
- Prior to his judicial appointment, he spent 15 years as a trial lawyer for the Department of Assigned Counsel, gaining extensive courtroom experience.
- He is a lifelong resident of Tacoma and Pierce County, reflecting deep local ties.
- For the last three years before his appointment, he held the role of supervisor of the Juvenile Delinquency Unit
- overseeing cases involving youth offenders.
- focusing on identifying and addressing disparities within the legal system.
- Additionally, he has contributed to diversity and inclusion efforts as a member of the Pierce County Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategic Oversight Committee.
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
Pierce 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 ↗