Magistrates are often referred to as the “first face” of the judicial system for most citizens. They serve the public with professionalism, all while keeping abreast of the rapidly changing civil and criminal laws. In 2021, their training requirements were increased by the legislature from 12 hours every two years to 12 hours every year. As part of those 12 hours of training, magistrates are required to receive annual training on seven required subjects: (1) setting conditions of pretrial release, (2) impaired driving laws, (3) issuing criminal processes, (4) issuing search warrants, (5) technology, (6) orders of protection, and (7) summary ejectment laws. GS 7A-177.
One of the best things about my job working with magistrates is that they are always excited about training and participate enthusiastically in courses and conferences. In 2020 the North Carolina Judicial College launched the Magistrate Certification Program to recognize magistrates who complete advanced training in the areas of civil and criminal law. These magistrates not only satisfy their minimum annual requirements, but they go above and beyond by attending advanced training to satisfy the five required components of Civil and/or Criminal Law Certification. Applications for certification were received from November 1 through December 31, 2023. The next application period will be November 1 through December 31, 2024.
Civil Law
Christopher Bazzle, Mecklenburg County
Heather Callejas, Iredell County
Leonard Custis, Pasquotank County
Samuel “Chris” Hardison, Martin County
Ashlyn Harris, Cleveland County
Patricia Higgs, Mecklenburg County
Laura Holden, Swain County
Jeff Hollan, Alamance County
Tami Johnson, Johnston County
Deborah Morrison, Hertford County
Linda “Jane” Myers, Davie County
Sean Reid, Rowan County
Carissa Robinson, Graham County
Keith Rogers, Lee County
Christopher Sullivan, Johnston County
Criminal Law
Julie Antonelli, Guilford County
Christopher Bazzle, Mecklenburg County
Heather Callejas, Iredell County
Thomasa Carver, Mecklenburg County
Leonardo Custis, Pasquotank County
Doris Harris, Jones County
Teddy “Jeff” Morris, Rowan County
Deborah Morrison, Hertford County
Linda “Jane” Myers, Davie County
Sean Reid, Rowan County
Melanie Robinson, Burke County
Keith Rogers, Lee County
Bobbie Jo Squires, Wake County
Christopher Sullivan, Johnston County
These magistrates join the class of magistrates who achieved certification in 2022:
Civil Law
Julie Antonelli, Guilford County
Millicent Duprey, Dare County
Kyle Justice, Transylvania County
Melanie Robinson, Burke County
Criminal Law
Patricia Higgs, Mecklenburg County
On behalf of the Judicial College, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to these magistrates on this extraordinary achievement. If you are a magistrate who is interested in certification, read more about it on the NC Magistrate microsite on the UNC School of Government website.