The judicial bench of the Seattle Municipal Court is currently comprised of eight judges, one commissioner, and three magistrates. A Seattle Municipal Judge position is an elected one. Once every four years the judicial seat is up for election. If a judge retires or leaves the bench during his or her term, the Mayor of Seattle appoints a judge to fill that seat until the next scheduled election.
The judges below, with the exception of the occasional appearance by a commissioner or pre-tem judge, will be presiding over your DUI case in Seattle Municipal Court.
Judge Hightower has been on the bench since 1991. She studied Comparative Literature at the University of Washington for her undergraduate degree, then graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 1983. The current term expires in 2010.
Judge Bonner has been on the bench since 1989. He studied Sociology at Wiley College for his undergraduate degree and graduated from the University of Washington School of Law in 1974. The current term expires in 2010.
Judge Hurtado has been on the bench full time since 1993. Prior, he was a pro-tem at Seattle Muni from 1985-1993. He studied at University of Washington for his undergraduate degree and graduated from the University of Washington School of Law in 1978. The current term expires in 2010.
Judge Mamiya has been on the bench since 1981. He studied Psychology at the University of Washington for his undergraduate degree, and graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1976. The current term expires in 2010.
Judge Kondo has been on the bench since 1990. She studied Journalism and Political Science at the University of Idaho for her undergraduate degree and graduated from Seattle University of Law (formerly University of Puget Sound) in 1977. The current term expires in 2010.
Judge Charles was initially appointed to the bench in 2005. She studied Communications at Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate degree, and went to law school at the University of Washington. The current term expires in 2010.
Judge Rietschel has been on the bench since 1996. She studied Philosophy at the University of Rochester for her undergraduate degree and graduated from University of Washington, School of Law in 1977. She was recently appointed to serve on the King County Superior Court bench. The current term expires in 2010.
Judge Holifield was originally appointed in 1980. He went to Whitman college for undergrad and was class of 1959. He graduated from American University of Law School, Washington, DC in 1968. The current term expires in 2010.
Seattle Municipal Court Judicial Links
Seattle Municipal Court Judicial Officers Page
Washington Court Rule (GR 29) governing the roles and responsibilities of a Judicial Officer