Honorable Chrystal Krier
Goddard High School Class of 1981
Chrystal Krier, a distinguished legal professional and community advocate, has made significant contributions to the field of law and her local community throughout her career. Chrystal began her education journey entering Goddard Public Schools in first grade, and she quickly became an integral part of the school community alongside her three siblings. Reflecting on the formative years of her education, Chrystal fondly remembers the school community as a tight-knit family and proudly declares, “I’ll always be a Goddard Lion, Blue and White.”
During her high school years, Chrystal was actively involved in various extracurricular activities. She was a varsity cheerleader, staff for the Lionian Yearbook, and she participated in debate and forensics. Her involvement in debate ignited her passion for arguing viewpoints, and forensics honed her impromptu speaking, both of which would become valuable skills in her legal career. Chrystal excelled in academics and was a member of the National Honor Society. Her lifelong love of arts was first inspired during 6th-grade art classes with Teacher Nancy Fredrickson. Art is still a cherished activity that she enjoys and shares with her father at an annual craft show.
A testament to her dedication and perseverance, Chrystal achieved perfect attendance throughout high school, an honor she holds dear. This commitment to "showing up" has been a core value in her life, exemplified by her donation of over 1,000 hours of accumulated sick leave when she left the Public Defender’s Office after 21 years of service. Chrystal credits her time at Goddard Schools for providing a solid foundation for her future success, teaching her the importance of attendance, hard work, and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities.
Chrystal began working at the age of 16, securing her first job at McDonald’s on her birthday. Throughout her life, she has consistently managed two jobs simultaneously. She worked her way through college at Wichita State University, earning her undergraduate degree in 1987. Subsequently, she attended Washburn University School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctorate in 1992.
After law school, Chrystal embarked on her legal career as a public defender in Sedgwick County, Kansas, serving for three years before becoming a deputy public defender for 14 years. She was later appointed as the Chief of the newly established Conflicts Office in Sedgwick County, where she diligently ensured justice was served, fulfilling the Constitutional right to legal defense. In 2015, Chrystal joined the Federal Public Defender Office, and in 2021, she joined with Casey Cotton to form the firm Cotton and Krier, LLC. Her experience as a public defender proved valuable in both private practice and now as a District Court Judge.
In April 2023, Chrystal was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to fill a judgeship position in the 18th Judicial District of Kansas. This appointment recognized her extensive criminal trial experience and unwavering commitment to justice. Judge Krier is dedicated to ensuring fairness, respect, and dignity for all who appear before her.
Throughout her career, Chrystal has been a beacon of dedication to public service and legal advocacy. Her legacy is one of listening, striving to give people a fair break, and maintaining a deep commitment to the values instilled in her during her formative years in Goddard. Chrystal Krier's journey from a small-town girl to a respected district court judge serves as an inspiration, proving that with hard work and perseverance, dreams can be achieved.