King County Gov, Judge Raul Martinez

Raul is from Wenatchee, Washington. He earned his law degree from Seattle University. 

Raul currently works as an attorney for the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. He previously worked as a deputy prosecutor for the King County Prosecutor’s Office and as the managing attorney for Martinez Law Group, PLLC, which specializes in civil litigation.

Raul Martinez currently serves as a district court judge in King County District Court. He was first appointed in 2023 and is serving his 1st term.

King County Gov, Civil Division 

Super Lawyers, Raul Martinez

As a state district court judge for King County District Court, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As an attorney at the King County Government, represented the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

As an attorney for the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in environmental law.

Working in the King County Prosecutor's Office, oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal and civil violations, and provided legal counsel and representation to state, county, and city officials in lawsuits against the government.

As a managing partner at Martinez Law Group, PLLC, oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth in the firm’s areas of legal practice.

- As a state district court judge for King County District Court, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an attorney for the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, researches, drafts, and files legal documents, and provides defense and counsel to clients, specializing in environmental law.
- Working in the King County Prosecutor's Office, oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal and civil violations, and provided legal counsel and representation to state, county, and city officials in lawsuits against the government.
- As a managing partner at Martinez Law Group, PLLC, oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth in the firm’s areas of legal practice.

Legal Experience

As of October 7, 2024, Raul Martinez’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Candidate website

Has coached youth basketball, baseball, and soccer in the Northshore area.

Volunteer work includes serving on the Northwest Justice Project’s Board of Directors and Fund Development Committee; and the Latina/o Bar Association Board of Directors and Judicial Evaluation Committee.

- Has coached youth basketball, baseball, and soccer in the Northshore area.
- Volunteer work includes serving on the Northwest Justice Project’s Board of Directors and Fund Development Committee; and the Latina/o Bar Association Board of Directors and Judicial Evaluation Committee.

Community Involvement

Raul Martinez

Raul currently works as an attorney for the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. He previously worked as a prosecutor for the King County Prosecutor’s Office and as the managing attorney for Martinez Law Group, PLLC, which specializes in civil litigation.

Raul Martinez currently serves as a district court judge in King County District Court, Shoreline Division in Washington. He was first appointed in 2023.

Believes in supporting veterans' mental health and substance abuse recovery.

Believes in balancing accountability with community safety, informed by personal experiences with poverty, discrimination, addiction, mental health issues, and domestic violence.

Believes in serving others through daily courtroom work.

Believes what people see and hear in court is significant.

Said, "But I am most eager to earn your support."

Supports the retention of Judge Michael Spearman.

Supports the retention of Judge Arthur Chapman.

Supports the appointment of judges to ensure a fair and impartial judiciary.

Has been rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” by six independent bar associations.

Supports the Washington State Supreme Court's decision to strike down the state's 2022 law that allowed judges to impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain felony crimes.

Supports collaboration with current and former elected officials to enhance community involvement and governance.

Served on the boards of the Northwest Justice Project and the Latina/o Bar Association.

Thanks the community for their interest in his campaign.

Member of the Cardozo Society of Washington.

Raul Martinez is currently serving as a judge on the King County District Court in Shoreline, appointed in January 2023. He has 21 years of legal experience, including 10 years with the King County Prosecutor’s Office, 6 years with a large law firm, and 5 years in private practice.

As of October 8, 2024, Raul Martinez’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As an attorney, represented crime victims, the King County government, corporations, and individuals.

Has experience as a judge for the Seattle Municipal Court.

Was appointed to the King County District Court in Shoreline by a unanimous vote of the King County Council in January 2023.

Has 21 years of legal experience as a litigator and appellate lawyer, including 10 years with the King County Prosecutor’s Office, 6 years with a large law firm, and 5 years in private practice.

Believes most people experience the justice system in a District Court without an attorney.

Believes in the need for highly qualified judges with a deep commitment to justice, and as a District Court Judge, has brought 21 years of legal experience as a Senior Deputy Prosecutor, civil litigator, and legal advisor, viewing this experience as an asset to the community.

- Washington district courts handle all misdemeanor criminal cases and all low-level civil matters.
-This jurisdiction includes traffic, non-traffic, and parking infractions, domestic violence protection orders, Civil actions of $75,000 or less, small claims up to $10,000
- They are elected to 4-year, non-partisan elections. 