Lifelong Roots in Okanogan County
Born in Omak and a graduate of Lake Roosevelt High School, Charles was raised on a cattle ranch near Nespelem. His grandfather established the ranch with a modest herd and orchard, delivering fruit around the area.
Principled Public Servant
Judge Short is dedicated to serving the public with integrity in an impartial and ethical manner. He is committed to following the rule of law and the constitution, and making sure everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Reliable & Experienced
Judge Short is the Presiding Judge who supervises the judicial business of District Court and has served on the bench for over 13 years.
Prior to being a judge, he was a litigator with experience in criminal defense, criminal prosecution, child support enforcement, family law, personal injury, and other general civil litigation. His first job out of law school was to serve as a judicial law clerk for the judges of the Chelan County Superior Court.
Respected by Judicial Peers
In 2024, Judge Short's peers in the District & Municipal Court Judges Association honored him with the David A. Steiner Judicial Leadership Award.
Trusted Legal & Judicial Educator
- Washington State Judicial College Dean
- Faculty for the National Council of Juvenile & Family Court Judges
- Faculty for the National Judicial Institute on Domestic Violence
- Faculty for the Center for Justice Innovation
Proven Judicial Leader
- Past President of the District & Municipal Courts Judges Association
- Past Board Member with the Board for Judicial Administration
- Judicial Engagement Network Fellow
- Judicial Coach certified by the National Center for State Courts
Educational Background
- University of Montana School of Law, Juris Doctor, With Honors
- William O. Douglas Honors College, Central Washington University, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude