In my 27 years on the bench, I have brought independence, fair-mindedness and a sense of justice to this job. It would be my privilege to serve the citizens of King County for another four years.
-Darrell E. Phillipson
Dear Friends,
It has been my privilege and honor to serve as a King County District Court Judge for the last 27 years.
I have dedicated my career to providing justice to the citizens of King County. In my years on the bench, I have achieved many things:
But my greatest accomplishment has always been helping defendants become clean, sober and free from the justice system.
My goals: impart fairness, instill justice, inspire better behavior. I want to continue to work to improve the efficiency and cost-effectivenenss of our courts. I believe my experience and leadership will continue to be an asset both to the Court and the community.
I welcome the opportunity to meet with you personally. I invite you to get involved, join our team! We could use your help.
Thank you for your support!
-Darrell
Judge Darrell Phillipson was born in Spokane and raised on a farm in Four Lakes, Washington. He attended a one-room schoolhouse until moving on to middle and high school in Cheney, just outside of Spokane.
Working on a nearby farm and playing sports, Darrell also was an exceptional student in high school and college. He attended nearby Eastern Washington University, where he graduated with honors in 1969.
For law school, he traveled further afield. He had the honor of being accepted and attending the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall), one of the top ranked law schools in the country.
Washington was still home, so after 3 years away at law school, Darrell returned, settling on the west side of the state. He passed the bar exam and took a job at Bonjorni, Burgeson and Fiori in Tukwila.
Darrell eventually founded his own firm in 1975, Wimer, Harpold and Phillipson. He specialized in business and property law, but also served as a part time public defender for the city of Tukwila and as a magistrate judge at Aukeen District Court.
In 1983, the citizens of King County elected Darrell to fill the open seat on the King County District Court. Since being elected he has served in every capacity, presiding over criminal and civil cases, juvenile and dependency hearings, inquests and domestic violence court.
Judge Phillipson has had many leadership roles since being elected, serving as the first Presiding Judge in King County, as well as Assistant and Divisional Presiding Judge. He established the first dedicated domestic violence court in Washington State. In a time of dramatic budget cuts, he helped bring innovative changes to the courts that increased efficiency and reduced costs.
Judge Darrell Phillipson has dedicated his career to serving the citizens of King County. He cares passionately about the system of justice and the people he has been honored to serve.
MARCH 22, 2010 | FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES
Prosecutors say crime- lab problems fixed, want to start presenting DUI breath-test evidence again
Three King County District Court judges who in 2008 called into question the ability of the state crime laboratory to accurately report the results of DUI breath tests will revisit the issue after authorities promised Monday that problems at the lab have been addressed.
JUNE 26, 2009 | FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES
Former Husky Reggie Rogers gets 2 years in prison
Facing sentencing in the latest in a string of drunken-driving arrests, Rogers, 44, told King County District Court Judge Darrell Phillipson on Thursday that leniency was due because of all he represented to the state's sports fans. Instead of prison, Rogers reasoned, a better punishment would be to allow him to remain free to counsel troubled youth.
JANUARY 30, 2008 | FROM THE SEATTLE PI
Court throws out DUI breath tests
Breath tests can't be used against many King County drunken-driving suspects until the State Patrol's toxicology lab can show that it has fixed ethical problems, scientific errors and carelessness that have called its work into question.
JUNE 16, 2006 | FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES
Another judge to go? Objection!
District Court Judge Darrell Phillipson said the proposal he made to redraw electoral divisions for judges is intended to create logical and balanced boundaries. "I understand where the Eastside judges are coming from and I'm sympathetic to it," said Phillipson, who serves at the Regional Justice Center in Kent. "But somebody has to lose a judge, and it works out best that the Eastside does."
MAY 29, 2003 | FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES
Jury still out on special courts for domestic violence
Thousands of these case files have taught Phillipson that domestic violence victims often recant their stories in the hope they can keep the relationship from falling apart. He knows from firsthand experience that these cases are delicate and messy. Drugs and alcohol are often involved, and domestic violence is almost sure to escalate over time.
SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 | FROM THE SEATTLE PI
Judge orders State, King County to pay sanctions to attorney
An Aukeen District Court Judge yesterday ordered the state of Washington and the King County Prosecutor's Office to each pay sanctions of $5,000 to an Auburn attorney who claimed they blocked her effort to challenge the validity of breath-test evidence in drunken-driving cases.
JANUARY 17, 1989 | FROM THE SEATTLE PI
District court lays off 6 workers despite the 'profits' they generate
The move, which Phillipson estimates would save $200,000 and enable the District Court judges to hire more clerks, has angered County Council Chairman Ron Sims and is part of a long-standing battle with the council over the court budget... "I realize they do a terrific job," said Phillipson of the six employees in the warrant division. "We have no desire to see the office go out of existence."
PO Box 465
Kent, WA 98032
Darrell.Phillipson_Gmail.com
(253) 234-5130
King County District Court is your court. Infractions, minor criminal cases, small claims - it is where citizens go to find justice for everyday concerns.
Judge Darrell Phillipson is your judge. Since you elected him almost three decades ago, he has brought fairness and justice to the bench, treating everyone with dignity and respect. He has increased the efficiency of the court and reduced its costs. He has changed peoples' lives for the better.
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Paid for by the Committee to Re-elect Darrell Phillipson
PO Box 465 | Kent, WA 9032 | 253.234.5130
© 2010 Committee to Re-Elect Darrell Phillipson
