West Fargo Municipal Judge
North Dakota has 73 municipal courts currently served by 54 municipal judges who serve 4-year terms. Municipal judges have jurisdiction over all violations of municipal ordinances, except certain violations involving juveniles. Learn more at ndcourts.gov/other-courts/municipal-courts.
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James W. (Jim) Martens
(NON)
What are your qualifications for this position?
How do you understand the role and limits of a municipal court judge, particularly in handling city ordinance violations and misdemeanors under state law?
How would you ensure defendants are treated fairly by the municipal court?
Campaign Phone Number
(701)223-2000
I am in my 18th year as an attorney. While my practice is focused on clients with needs in oil and gas, probate, real estate, and business matters, I also have experience in criminal law. Early in my career, I worked in the two busiest State's Attorneys offices in North Dakota, and later represented clients in a private and appointed capacity in municipal, state and federal courts. Of particular relevance, I served as a contracted defense counsel for a municipal court for seven years.
Municipal court is often people's first, and hopefully only, interaction with the justice system. Its jurisdiction is limited to criminal and non-criminal city ordinance violations, with the highest penalty being a class B misdemeanor. No civil disputes, state law violations, or juvenile matters (except minor traffic offenses) are heard by a municipal court. With no jury trial, the municipal judge's decision is determinative, and is subject to appeal to district court.
I’ve always believed everyone appearing in court is entitled to be treated with the same level of dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of their background or the nature of their case. I would strive to ensure people's experience in Municipal Court is fair and just while holding those proven to have committed an offense accountable for their actions, making sure city ordinances are respected and enforced.
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