On January 1, 2010, Michelle Gehlsen will begin serving as the appointed judge for Bothell Municipal Court. Recommended by City Manager Bob Stowe, Ms. Gehlsen was formally confirmed by a vote of the Bothell City Council on November 17, 2009. She takes over for the Honorable Judge John Rusden who served three terms in that capacity between 1998-2009.
The soon to be Judge Gehlsen comes into this position after having worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney for the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office for the last seven years. She has spent two years as a judge pro tem for the City of Marysvillle. More about Ms. Gehlsen’s appointment, background and accomplishments can be found at the following links. City of Bothell Announcement, Bothell Reporter Article.
Having practiced before Judge Rusden during each of his 12 years, I found him to be one of the most fair and reasonable minded judges in the State of Washington. His demeanor on the bench was that of a professional and neutral arbiter. He was courteous to everyone who appeared before him, regardless of which side of counsel table they sat or what they were charged with. I look forward to practicing before the incoming judge and it is my ardent hope that Bothell Municipal Court remain a venue where defendants can feel they are being treated courteously, fairly and even-handedly.
