Sabrina Ahrens at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Sabrina Ahrens
Judge · Pierce County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- judge in Department 14 of the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma, Washington
- Judge Ahrens continues to contribute to the Pierce County legal system while maintaining active involvement in civic and community organizations
- She spent 14 years as a deputy prosecuting attorney in the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and has also held the role of a pro tem judge for the Olympia and Lakewood Municipal Courts
Education
- Law degree from Seattle University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Speech Communications from the University of Washington.
Additional information
- Ahrens has over 17 years of legal experience in Western Washington.
- Appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to replace Judge Susan Serko, who retired on August 31.
- Her professional experience spans both civil and criminal law, giving her a broad perspective on judicial matters.
- Prior to her appointment, Ahrens held the role of a court commissioner for the Pierce County Superior Court, presiding over a variety of civil and criminal hearings.
- Beyond her legal work, Ahrens is active in the community.
- She has held the role of vice chair of the March of Dimes South Sound Board of Directors and was a member of the Girl Scouts Totem Council Board of Directors.
- Her community engagement reflects her commitment to public service and local initiatives.
- Governor Inslee highlighted her professional experience and strong connection to the Pierce County community, noting that she earned the respect of colleagues and the confidence of those appearing before her.
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 ↗