Bellingham Names New Municipal Court Judge

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The City of Bellingham has appointed Nicholas Henery as its newest municipal court judge. Henery will join Judge Debra Lev on the bench, with the court requesting an additional judge to help manage the increasing caseload and severity of cases in recent years. Henery has served as the municipal court commissioner since 2022 and will now be able to hear trials as a judge, starting his term on March 16 and serving through the end of 2029.

Why it matters

The addition of a second municipal court judge in Bellingham reflects the growing demands on the local justice system, as the city has seen an increase in both the volume and complexity of cases in recent years. This appointment aims to improve the court's efficiency and ability to handle the rising workload.

The details

Nicholas Henery was unanimously approved by the city council to join Judge Debra Lev on the municipal court bench. Henery has served as the municipal court commissioner since 2022 and will now transition to a full judgeship, with the ability to hear trials. The court requested the additional judge to help manage the increasing caseload and severity of cases in Bellingham.

• Henery will begin his term as municipal court judge on March 16, 2026.
• Henery's term will run through the end of 2029.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The next municipal court judge will be decided by voters in a general election after Henery's term expires in 2029.