(HELENA) Two candidates have submitted applications to become Helena’s next municipal court judge.
The deadline to apply was 5 p.m., Jan. 11. The Helena city clerk’s office received applications from:
- Anne Peterson, a deputy Lewis and Clark County attorney
- James Reavis, an assistant appellate defense attorney with the Office of the State Public Defender
The position was open only to residents of Lewis and Clark County who are currently licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Montana.
The city attorney’s office will review the applications and prepare them for public comment beginning on Monday. The Helena City Commission will interview the finalists Feb. 4, then select one to fill the position.
The new judge will replace Judge Bob Wood, who is retiring Mar. 1. They will serve until the end of 2019.
An election will be held in November to fill the position for the next four-year term. Peterson has already filed paperwork with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, saying she intends to run in that election.
The Helena Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic offenses within the city limits, as well as things like animal control and violations of city ordinances. Wood currently holds about 50 to 70 hearings a week.
