WHAT IS A DISTRICT COURT JUDGE?

  Judge Shelley has extensive experience as both an attorney and Judge in District Court.  As a District Court Judge for District 29A, Ellen presides over matters in McDowell and Rutherford counties, including: (1) criminal court; (2) family court, including matters of divorce, equitable distribution and custody; (3) juvenile delinquency court; (4) juvenile abuse, neglect, and dependency court, and matters related to the Department of Social Services; (5) general civil court;(6) child support court; and (7) domestic violence court. 

District Court is the initial trial court for the majority of legal matters in North Carolina, giving it the largest dockets and greatest number of cases heard, and making it the first step to a strong, reliable and efficient judicial system.  If you or someone you know is involved in a legal matter, it is most likely to be heard in District Court.  District Court Judges are required to digest volumes of evidence and testimony in a short amount of time, and apply the law as it is written to the facts of each case to make an informed and equitable decision. They do not create policy, but apply the law as it is written by the legislature and higher courts to the facts of the cases before them. To be fair and effective, District Court Judges must constantly study to stay current on developments in the law. Cases in District Court are typically “bench trials” heard only in front of the Judge without a jury; however, Ellen is one of only two sitting District Court Judges in District 41 to have presided over a District Court jury trial. 

In her years as a District Court Judge, Judge Shelley has gained a reputation for fairness, kindness, sincerity, knowledge of the law, and attention to detail with the individuals that regularly appear in her Court. Her courtroom commands respect because she treats those who appear before her with the same respect. She is known for working with others and a collaborative approach to judicial efficiency, her control of the courtroom and her ability to methodically dispose of large dockets, and her punctual Orders and administrative organization which reduce the burden on other components of the judicial branch. Judge Shelley’s Orders have been affirmed by the North Carolina Court of Appeals and North Carolina Supreme Court.  

I encourage you to speak with friends or family involved in the judicial system who have the opportunity to observe Judge Shelley on a regular basis. They will confirm that Judge Shelley has an outstanding reputation with members of law enforcement, the offices of the clerks of court, social workers, attorneys, and parties involved in the cases before her.