Experience

Mike Valerien currently serves as a Commissioner for Spokane Municipal Court. Court Commissioners are appointed judicial officers who, like elected judges, preside over court hearings, authorize search and arrest warrants, make decisions regarding custody and release, and officiate weddings — serving the community at every stage of the legal process.

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In this role, Mike handles cases involving criminal misdemeanors, vehicle impounds, and civil infractions. He has presided over hearings in several of Spokane Municipal Court’s therapeutic courts, including the nationally recognized Community Court, DUI Court, and Veteran’s Court. These specialty courts focus on accountability, rehabilitation, and long-term solutions that improve both public safety and individual outcomes. Mike is committed to ensuring cases are handled fairly, efficiently, and with respect for all parties involved.

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Prior to his appointment to the bench, Mike served as an Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Spokane, where he managed cases from start to finish — reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, drafting legal briefs, and presenting cases to juries. As the prosecutor assigned to Veteran’s Court, he worked collaboratively with the court team to support local veterans working toward recovery and stability.

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Earlier in his legal career, Mike was in private practice in Spokane Valley where he worked in criminal defense, wills, landlord tenant law and real estate transactions. While attending law school, Mike served as a 911 Emergency Communications Operator for Spokane County. That experience gave him firsthand insight into the criminal justice system from the moment a call for help is received. It also deepened his understanding of the people and processes involved long before a case reaches the courtroom.

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Mike Valerien has experience at every stage of the justice system — from emergency response, to criminal defense and prosecution, to the bench — and remains committed to fairness, accountability, and equal access to justice for the Spokane community.