Longtime District Court Judge Gregory Tripp to retire

Spokane County District Court Judge Gregory Tripp has announced his plans to retire at the end of September.

Tripp said in a news release that he plans to spend time with his family, including his wife of 42 years, JoAnn. The couple has two grown daughters.

Tripp has served as a judge since 1997. Prior to his election he was a deputy prosecuting attorney for Clark County for two years and was a lawyer in private practice in Spokane for 22 years.

“This was a decision that weighed heavily on me,” said Tripp. “Ultimately, my family and I have decided that now is the right time.”

Tripp has held many leadership positions locally and statewide, including as a member of the Civil Legal Aid Oversight Committee. He was named Outstanding Judge by the Washington State Bar Association in 2007 and Judge of the Year by the Washington State Misdemeanant Corrections Association in 2014.

Spokane County Commissioner Al French said it will be difficult to see Tripp leave the bench. “He has served this community with dignity and integrity for so many years,” French said.

The Commissioners will appoint someone to replace Tripp. That person will serve until the next general election.