Billings attorney running for District Court judge stresses reducing court backlog and timely decisions

Trellis: Colette Davies

Colette Davies sworn in as district judge in Billings

Colette received a Bachelor of Art's degree and a law degree from the University of Montana. She lives in Billings, Montana with her husband and two children.

Prior to becoming a judge, Colette worked as an attorney in private practice at several law firms. She was most recently a partner at Bishop, Heenan & Davies. Colette also taught at Montana State University Billings for three years.

Colette B. Davies is currently District Court Judge for Judicial District 13. She was elected in 2018 and has served one term. Colette previously served as Billings Municipal Court Judge for five years.

Montana Judicial Branch: District Courts

Received Juris Doctor (law degree) from the University of Montana in 1997.

As an attorney in private practice, Colette handled civil litigation involving insurance coverage disputes, employment law, negligence prosecution, consumer bankruptcies, and discrimination law.

As Billings Municipal Court judge, Colette handled criminal proceedings such as misdemeanor driving under the influence cases.

As District Court Judge, Colette presides over criminal and civil trials.

- Received Juris Doctor (law degree) from the University of Montana in 1997.
- As an attorney in private practice, Colette handled civil litigation involving insurance coverage disputes, employment law, negligence prosecution, consumer bankruptcies, and discrimination law.
- As Billings Municipal Court judge, Colette handled criminal proceedings such as misdemeanor driving under the influence cases.
- As District Court Judge, Colette presides over criminal and civil trials.

Legal Experience

As of September 17, 2024, Colette B Davies did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Supports increasing the use of mediation.

Supports the use of technology such as video conferencing and electronic filings.

Wants to ensure decisions are timely and cases aren't backlogged.

- Supports increasing the use of mediation.
- Supports the use of technology such as video conferencing and electronic filings.
- Wants to ensure decisions are timely and cases aren't backlogged.

Judicial Administration

Said, "I think judges need to have as many tools in their tool belt as possible to make individual sentencing decisions based on the individual crimes at issue, and the individual facts and circumstances that got the offender to that point."

- Said, "I think judges need to have as many tools in their tool belt as possible to make individual sentencing decisions based on the individual crimes at issue, and the individual facts and circumstances that got the offender to that point."

Judicial Philosophy

Served as president of the Billings Preservation Society Foundation and a member of Billings Family Service.

- Served as president of the Billings Preservation Society Foundation and a member of Billings Family Service.

Community Involvement

Colette B Davies

- Montana District Courts are central to the state’s judicial system, handling most major legal proceedings and providing a pathway for appeals from lower courts.
- Montana District Court Judges handle a wide variety of cases, including all serious criminal charges and smaller felonies. These courts also take on major civil disputes and state financial claims.
- In civil matters, these judges deal with wills and estates (probate), disputes over contracts and property ownership, and other non-criminal legal issues.
- These judges also have the authority to review decisions made by smaller local courts within their jurisdiction, as allowed by state law and the Constitution.
Judges in the District Courts are elected by the public in their districts, emphasizing the importance of community representation.