--- title: "Sergio C. Flores | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/sergio-c-flores-judge-pierce-county-municipal-courts-tacoma-11706-wa" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Sergio C. Flores Pierce County - Municipal Courts - Tacoma · Judge ## Profile - Court: Pierce County - Municipal Courts - Tacoma - 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=11706&orgid=586) - [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11706&orgid=586) - [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=11706&orgid=586) - [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) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/sergio-c-flores-judge-pierce-county-municipal-courts-tacoma-11706-wa", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/sergio-c-flores-judge-pierce-county-municipal-courts-tacoma-11706-wa", "name": "Sergio C. 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Flores", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/sergio-c-flores-judge-pierce-county-municipal-courts-tacoma-11706-wa" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - Flores has held the role of Judge Pro Tempore in Tacoma Municipal Court since September 2022 - Tacoma Municipal Court Judge for Department No. 2, appointed in January 2026 to replace retiring Judge Drew Henke, and is running to retain the seat in the November 2026 general election - Using his lived experience as an immigrant and community advocate to inform justice work ### Education - Law degree from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and a bachelor’s in Political Science from Seattle University. ### Additional information - On January 6, 2026, the Tacoma City Council unanimously appointed Flores to the vacant municipal court seat, with service through December 31, 2026. - Mayor Anders Ibsen praised Flores’ legal expertise, community connection, and dedication to public service. - Investigator for Tacoma’s Employment Standards Office, enforcing paid sick leave and minimum wage laws. - Legislative aide and government roles in Washington state, including work for U.S. Senator Patty Murray. - The first in his family to graduate from college in the U.S., having immigrated from Tecolotlan, Mexico, at age 10. - Flores emphasizes collaboration, compassion, and accountability - focusing on diversion and therapeutic programs to address root causes of crime, reduce recidivism, and support both victims and offenders. - Prosecuting Attorney for Tacoma and Auburn, where he helped create Auburn’s Community Court — a therapeutic model now replicated in other Puget Sound jurisdictions. - He describes his approach as “judicial activism” rooted in compassion. ## 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.