Kristin D. Shotwell at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Kristin D. Shotwell
Judge · King County District Court
Biography
Professional career
- Appointed to the bench in 2021 after more than two decades working in criminal justice and social services, and subsequently won election in November 2022.
- Public Defender & Trial Attorney: Served in felony, misdemeanor, and civil commitment cases
- Judge in the King County District Court, West Division (Seattle)
Education
- Psychology – Yale University — B.A.
- W. – University of Washington — M.S.
- University of Hawai‘i Law School (Valedictorian) — J.D.
Additional information
- Attorney Supervisor: Oversaw civil commitments and felony practice areas.
- Social Services Experience: Conducted assessments and treatment plans
- focusing on mental health and substance use disorders.
- Spanish Language Interpreter: State‐certified for more than 25 years.
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
King County District 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 ↗