---
title: "Leah M. Taguba | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/leah-m-taguba-judge-king-county-district-court-south-division-auburn-facility-5717-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Leah M. Taguba

King County District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: King County District Court
- 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=5717&orgid=1113)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=5717&orgid=1113)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=5717&orgid=1113)
- [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

- Nonpartisan King County District Court judge appointed in 2021, serving the Southeast Division (Auburn Courthouse) and currently running for re‐election in 2026
- As a prosecutor, she developed criminal diversion programs and partnered with community organizations to promote restorative and therapeutic justice approaches

### Education


### Additional information

- Her current term runs through January 11, 2027.
- Nonpartisan and is on the ballot for re‐election on November 3, 2026.
- In the 2022 general election, she won with 97.4% of the vote.
- Leah Taguba was unanimously appointed by the King County Council in 2021 to the King County District Court bench.
- Before becoming a judge, Judge Taguba served over 15 years as a King County Prosecuting Attorney (KCPAO)
- handling cases from misdemeanors to third‐strike felonies.
- The first Filipino American woman appointed to the court and is assigned to the Auburn Courthouse in South King County.
- Judge Taguba emphasizes fairness, equity, and community trust, supporting alternative and treatment courts and diversion programs where appropriate.
- Committed to diversity and inclusion in the judiciary, mentoring individuals from varied cultural and life backgrounds.
- Washington State Supreme Court’s Minority and Justice Commission, the WPIC jury orientation committee, and the Diversity in the Judiciary Directory workgroup.
- She made charging decisions, negotiated settlements, prosecuted trials, and later supervised the KCPAO’s District Court Unit.
- She also held a position as a Statistician‐Demographer for the U.S. Census Bureau in Washington, D.C..
- She is also an advisory board member for the Judicial Institute of Washington and has served on the Race and Criminal Justice Task Force 2.0.



## 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.
