Age: 36
Contact info: votepetersonhmc@gmail.com; https://www.facebook.com/PetersonforHelenaMunicipalCourt/; https://www.petersonforhelenamunicipalcourt.com
Education:
Political Science, B.A. Carroll College
Juris Doctorate, University of Montana School of Law
Occupation:
Municipal Court Judge, Helena
Relevant experience:
My most relevant experience is that I currently serve as the Municipal Court Judge.
I began my legal career as a public defender, in Helena, where I served indigent defendants in a variety of cases including misdemeanors, felonies and dependent neglect cases. I also worked closely with Judge James Reynolds to launch the First Judicial District Adult Drug Treatment Court in 2011, which serves the highest risk and highest need offenders in the Helena community.
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After transitioning to the Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s Office, in 2012, I prosecuted misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. In my final four years as a prosecutor, and just prior to taking the bench, I represented the Department of Health and Human Services in child abuse and neglect cases, helping to reunite families and protect children in the Helena community.
The City Commission unanimously appointed me as Municipal Court Judge in March 2019, and I have served in that role since then.
Why are you running for this office?
As the current Helena Municipal Court Judge, I am committed to maintaining a safe and strong community while maintaining a courtroom that is impartial, efficient and compassionate to all who appear. This commitment goes beyond the law, and includes working with community partners. In my brief service so far, I have set meetings with the Public Health Department to address teen tobacco and vape use. I've also worked with the community’s pretrial services to seek solutions to better address defendants with mental illness. I want to continue the work I have already begun for the Helena Community.
What do you hope to accomplish in this office?
I plan to explore the options for a treatment court for driving under the influence offenses in the limited courts of jurisdiction in Helena. This outreach is critical to avoid simply punishing defendants, and instead, working towards rehabilitation and ensuring a safer and healthier community long-term.
Why should people vote for you?
My work on both sides of the aisle give me a unique balance on the bench. This is a court that requires an individual who is prepared for high volume and wide range of issues that come before them. I believe I have the necessary experience and temperament to be successful in this position. In addition, as the current judge, I have dedicated myself to serving our community, and doing so in a fair and impartial manner to all who enter my courtroom.