---
title: "Krista White Swain | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/krista-white-swain-judge-king-county-municipal-courts-black-diamond-3003-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Krista White Swain

King County - Municipal Courts - Black Diamond · Judge

## Profile

- Court: King County - Municipal Courts - Black Diamond
- 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=3003&orgid=212)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=3003&orgid=212)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=3003&orgid=212)
- [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

- Municipal Court Judge for the King County Municipal Court – Black Diamond
- In addition to her judicial role, Swain is the gatekeeper for the Enumclaw, Black Diamond, and Sumner Community Court Program, a therapeutic/mental health court alternative to traditional justice

### Education


### Additional information

- The program has been active since 2022 and is funded in part by a $10 million Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts grant.
- The court has limited jurisdiction
- handling only infractions, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors; felony cases are filed in King County Superior Court.
- Listed in the Washington State Courts official directory and the Black Diamond Municipal Court staff directory.
- Under Washington GR 16, media recording or photography in her courtroom requires explicit permission from the judge.
- The Black Diamond Municipal Court offers both in‐person and virtual (Zoom) hearings, with all infraction cases conducted virtually.
- Swain, along with Program Manager Somer Johnson, developed policies and procedures based on state standards and best practices, and attends regional and national trainings.
- The program focuses on individuals with mental health, addiction, housing, or food insecurity issues who meet specific criteria and are willing to participate in treatment and support services.



## 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.
