(La Porte County, IN) - Attorney Kurt R. Earnst has filed as a candidate for Judge of La Porte Superior Court 3.
He is running to succeed Judge Jeffrey Thorne who is retiring at the end of his term. Earnst cites his 29 years of trial experience throughout various federal and state courts in the region for being qualified for the position.
For over 20 years, Earnst was an attorney and partner with the law firm of Braje, Nelson, & Janes in Michigan City. Earnst has spent the past year as a federal community defender in the Northern District of Indiana.
Throughout his career, Earnst has primarily focused on litigation in criminal, civil and family law matters. For 26 years, Earnst was a deputy public defender in LaPorte County representing criminal defendants on felony and misdemeanor matters. He was also counsel for the Michigan City Public Library for over 15 Years.
“I have spent the better part of three decades actively practicing in the courts of LaPorte County, including Superior Court 3,” he said.
Earnst was also a founding and active member of the LaPorte County Veteran’s Treatment Court Program administered by Superior Court 3. The program is designed to assist veterans that find themselves in the criminal justice system due to issues suffered as a result of their service.
“It was my honor and privilege to be able to participate in this program and assist those who have honorably served our country,” he said.
He is a past volunteer judge with the Michigan City Teen Court Program as well as a past board member and past board president of the Michigan City Boys and Girls Club. Earnst is also a 27 year volunteer firefighter with the Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department, currently serving as its Chief.
“My goal in seeking to be your next Judge of Superior Court 3 is to build on the strong foundation laid down by previous judges and to continue its proud tradition of service to the law.”
Earnst said he believes that experience, temperament and civility are paramount qualities a judge must possess.
“My philosophy in serving on the bench is a strict adherence to the law and a solemn vow that all that come before the court must be treated with dignity, fairness and respect. Those appearing in Court are there for a fair resolution of their disputes and a judge must be mindful of applying the law and facts to the case to provide justice,” he said.
