Franklin County District Court Judge

Legal/Judicial Experience
Public Defense Attorney for five years working in Benton and Franklin County Superior, District, and Juvenile courts, and Pasco Municipal Court. Franklin County Preliminary Appearance Attorney for five years making hundreds of bail arguments and handling thousands of first appearances. 

Other Professional Experience
World Relief Legal Services (2017); Police Cadet Intern, WSU Police Department (2014-2015); Surveillance Intern, WSU Department of Criminal Justice (2013).

Education
Tri-Cities Prep (2007-2009, 2010-2011); Chiawana (2009-2010); CBC (2009-2010, 2012-2013); WSU (2013-2015), Criminal Justice & Political Science, Magna Cum Laude_;_ Georgia State University School of Law, J.D (2015-2018).

**Community Service
**Pro Bono Recognition Program (2017-2018); 380+ hours of volunteer legal services.

**Statement
**My experience serving as a public defense attorney in Franklin County for the past five years uniquely qualifies me to be your next District Court Judge. Every day, I work closely with prosecuting attorneys, court staff, current elected judges, the Office of Public Defense, jail staff, and defendants. My close working relationship with each facet of the Franklin County criminal justice system provides me with an innate ability to hear criticism from each perspective and make appropriate changes when necessary. 

I believe the Court should work for the community. As District Court judge, I will appropriately weigh outcomes for victims and defendants; manage the court as a neutral officiant of the law rather than imposing my beliefs from the bench; prioritize judicial efficiency by ensuring the Court respects jail staff and attorneys’ time; focus on rehabilitation by actively participating in therapeutic courts; respect defendants’ dignity while requiring accountability for offenses;  and impose cost parity with courts such as Benton County and Pasco Municipal. 

It is an honor to run for District Court judge and to have the opportunity to give back to the community that raised me.

To learn more, please visit www.nguyenforjudge.com.

Legal/Judicial Experience
Presiding Franklin County District Court Judge; Judge Pro Tempore Benton County District and Pasco Municipal Court; Defense attorney 14-years Franklin-Benton Superior and District Courts, and Cities of Pasco, Prosser, Toppenish and Sunnyside

Other Professional Experience
District and Municipal Court Judges Association Education Committee and Therapeutic Court Committee; Legal Intern, Fluor Hanford; Gonzaga Law School - Legal Assistance Clinic; Paralegal 

Education
Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D. 2008; Washington State University, 2005 Cum Laude; Columbia Basin College, Kennewick High School

Community Service
Grace Kitchen; Liberty Christian School; Second Harvest; YMCA Youth and Government Mock Trial Rater; WWKD; Benton-Franklin Legal Aid Volunteer; Elijah Family Homes Board of Directors

Statement
I am honored to serve the people of Franklin County as your District Court Judge. I believe every person who comes before the court deserves patience, respect, and a fair hearing free from bias or personal agendas.  Justice requires accountability and respect.

In my first term, I created a thriving Therapeutic Court program. This program relieves burdens on law enforcement and taxpayers while holding participants accountable and providing opportunities to improve their lives. My next goal is to create a Veteran’s Therapeutic Court track in coordination with the Veteran’s Center.

In three years, I have brought more than one million dollars back to Franklin County through state funding requests and grants. This funding supports courthouse security, therapeutic court programs, and training opportunities for court staff and law enforcement.  I have prioritized community outreach through partnerships with local schools and educational court programs.

My husband and I raised our three children in Franklin County, and we are deeply committed to this community. I am proud to have the support of community leaders, law enforcement, attorneys and judges.  I would be honored to continue serving the people of Franklin County as your District Court Judge. To learn more, please visit www.TrinityForJudge.com.