A new district court judge for department three was appointed by the Clark County Council this week.
James Smith will take over for Judge Darvin Zimmerman, who retired on June 30, according to a news release.
Smith now serves as the senior deputy prosecuting attorney in the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. During his time there, he spent four years in the major crimes unit, stated the release.
Previously, Smith completed a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a law degree from Mississippi State University, the release stated. He later accepted a role as the chief criminal deputy prosecuting attorney for Cowlitz County.
Smith will run for election in 2022 if he wants to keep the seat. The other judge positions will also be up for reelection. District court judges serve in four-year terms.
Council Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien said there were great candidates for the position.
“We are blessed in Clark County to have such great choices,” Quiring O’Brien said. “I think James Smith will do an exceptional job on the bench.”
To learn more about district court, visit the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/district-court.
