Submitted by Carolyn Jewett

Carolyn Jewett has announced that she will run for election to be the next district court judge. The incumbent judge, Judge Stewart Andrew, is not running for re-election.

Since 2015, Jewett has handled district court cases as a deputy prosecutor for San Juan County. She prosecutes all criminal cases and contested infractions in district court; additionally, she handles some felony cases in superior court and represents the state in other hearings as needed. Working in district court, she has significant experience in handling all the types of misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases that make up district court criminal filings.

“I know the smallest case can have a huge impact on the person involved,” said Jewett. “That’s why we need to get it right. I would be honored to serve as district court judge and ensure that every case, big or small, is handled respectfully and fairly.”

Previously, Jewett worked for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in the district court unit. She graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor’s in sociology and Spanish and received her J.D. from University of Washington.

Public service has also been a part of Jewett’s life. Growing up in Bremerton, Washington, she spent many years volunteering for Peninsula Community Health Services and Girl Scouts. While in law school, Jewett volunteered with the Immigrant Families Advocacy Project and taught high school mock trial through the Street Law Clinic.

This year, she had the opportunity to participate in the 2018 “Every 15 Minutes” drunk-driving prevention program with Friday Harbor High School. She will also be coaching students for the mock trial competition at the high school.

“The majority of jury trials in our county occur in district court, and criminal trials are a large proportion of the district court’s calendar,” Jewett said. “As a prosecutor, I’ve taken over 20 cases to trial in San Juan County, so I know the rules of evidence and trial procedures. Even more importantly, I’m well-versed in the current statutes and case law that apply in district court, because I research and argue criminal law on an almost daily basis.”

In her free time, Jewett loves performing onstage with the San Juan Community Theatre, as well as writing for the theatre’s Original Works Project. She also enjoys taking in the beautiful island scenery on long walks, and every so often can be spotted playing pickleball.

“We have such a unique and vibrant community in San Juan County,” Jewett said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to serve as district court judge.”

For more information, call Jewett at 360-550-6907, or email ElectCarolynJewett@gmail.com.