Amy Grimes has announced plans to run for Fort Smith District Court judge, Division 1.
Grimes has served as an administrative law judge for the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission since 2011. She has also served as a special justice for the Arkansas Supreme Court.
"This seems like a natural progression for me," Grimes said. "It will give me a chance to return to my roots."
Grimes is admitted to practice in the Western and Eastern Districts of Arkansas, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
"I feel like I bring a judicial temperament to the bench where I can listen and be fair to all sides," Grimes said. "I will make nonpartisan decisions based on the facts."
Grimes served as legal counsel for then-Gov. Mike Beebe's office from 2007 to 2011, advising the state's leadership on criminal justice policy, including alternative sentencing. She also worked as Sebastian County's deputy public defender from 2000 to 2007, and worked in misdemeanor and felony trials and hearings in district court.
"Fort Smith deserves a judge that adheres to standards of common sense and civility," Grimes said in a news release. "I'm proud of my record and knowledge. I understand the judicial system and our district courts, and I will listen and make decisions that follow the law, not favoring one side or the other."
The district court in Fort Smith has exclusive jurisdiction within the territorial limits of the city.
The court has jurisdiction over traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary felony cases, civil cases, small claims cases and violations of city ordinance.
The election will be March 3.
State Desk on 05/12/2019