Sitting District Court Judge Karen Townsend Files for Re-Election

MISSOULA - On the first eligible day to file as a candidate for this year's elections, current District Court Judge Karen Townsend has paid her filing fee and submitted her paperwork to the Secretary of State's office for re-election to the 4th District Court, which serves Missoula and Mineral Counties. Townsend, who is finishing up her first six-year term on the bench, has handled some of the biggest trials in recent memory. A good judge with a tireless work ethic, Townsend is ready to serve another term-if the electorate sees fit.

"Six years ago, I was enthusiastically elected to become the first woman ever to be elected or appointed as a District Judge for Missoula and Mineral Counties," said Townsend. "It is a great honor to serve and one I do not take lightly. With the voters' approval, I am whole-heartedly ready to continue my service to the people of Missoula and Mineral counties."

In the 2010 general election, Townsend won every precinct in both Missoula and Mineral Counties and was elected the next District Court Judge in a landslide of voter support. Judge Townsend had also received endorsements from nearly all of the local community leaders, judges, attorneys and law enforcement officials.

"Throughout my 24 year Missoula Police career and another 14 years in private business security, I have worked with Judge Karen Townsend in capacities as a prosecutor, victim advocate, a community volunteer and a District Court Judge," said former Missoula Police Chief Pete Lawrenson. "Simply put, there is no finer or qualified individual to serve the citizens of Missoula and Mineral Counties as a District Court Judge than Karen Townsend. Judge Townsend's commitment to judicial excellence is exemplary and benefits us all."

Prior to becoming a District Court Judge, Townsend's outstanding career included positions as Chief Deputy for the Criminal Division of Missoula County, and Deputy Missoula County Attorney for a total of 18 years between 1976 and 1998. During that time period, she also served as Chief Staff Attorney for the County Prosecutors Bureau of the Montana Attorney General's Office in Helena, as Special Assistant to U.S. Attorney in Billings, and as Director of Training for the National College of District Attorneys.

After leaving her work with the Missoula County Attorney's Office at the end of December 2006, she broadened her legal experience. Townsend served frequently as substitute judge for both Missoula Municipal Court and Missoula County's Justice of the Peace Court. She presided over initial appearances, arraignments, sentencings, evidentiary hearings, jury and non-jury trials, and civil proceedings. Karen was also hired as a special prosecutor by other Montana counties to consult with or review possible prosecution cases.

Additionally, she served as pro-bono counsel for indigent clients in family law cases. Townsend also was asked to consult with civil attorneys about civil lawsuits and offer opinions about the claims and the potential defenses. Her career clearly prepared Townsend for the challenging caseload she'd carry as a Judge.

"I've known Judge Townsend since 1985. She's a brilliant jurist," says Darla Keck senior attorney with local law firm Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind. "Not only does she display technical excellence in court and a full understanding of the law, but she also shows a deep compassion for those who appear before her. She's a true 'people's judge', making sure that those appearing before her understand the vagaries of the law, and are genuinely heard. Citizens know that the issue that brings them to court, whether for their children, families or for themselves, will be justly, and fairly judged."

In addition to her work as a District Court Judge, Townsend has a history of extensive community service, including past memberships on the following volunteer boards: Big Brothers, Big Sisters; Family Violence Council; Breast Cancer Resource Network; American Cancer Society; Montana Human Rights Commission and St. Patrick Hospital. In addition, Townsend was a 1996 YWCA Salute to Excellence winner in the category of public service and served as the first woman president of the Missoula Kiwanis Club.

Please visit Judge Townsend's website for more information at: http://www.Re-ElectTownsend.com.