Trellis, Judge Ashley Harada

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Ashley was born and raised in Kalispell, Montana. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Montana State University-Northern and a law degree from the University of Montana School of Law. She is married to her husband, Tim, with whom they have two children together.  

Ashley started and worked as an attorney for her own law practice, Harada Law Firm. She previously worked as a Law Clerk for the United States District Court for the District Montana.  

Ashley Harada is a District Court Judge in Montana's 13th Judicial District Court. She was elected to this position in 2019, and is serving her second term. 

Received Juris Doctor from the University of Montana School of Law in 2004.

While serving at her own law practice, she handled criminal, family law, dependent/neglect, estate planning, contracts, and personal injury cases.

- Received Juris Doctor from the University of Montana School of Law in 2004.
- While serving at her own law practice, she handled criminal, family law, dependent/neglect, estate planning, contracts, and personal injury cases.

Legal Experience

Flathead Beacon, Montana Judge Suspended 30 Days Without Pay for Misconduct

In 2020, she was suspended for 30 days without pay for violating rules of not being truthful under oath due to claims she made during her 2018 campaign.

- In 2020, she was suspended for 30 days without pay for violating rules of not being truthful under oath due to claims she made during her 2018 campaign.

Ethics & Conduct

Wants to develop a treatment court to serve defendants with mental health and substance use disorders.

- Wants to address jail overcrowding.
- Wants to develop a treatment court to serve defendants with mental health and substance use disorders.

Judicial Administration

Candidate website

Said, "My judicial philosophy is to follow the law as it is written. I was not elected to legislate from the bench."

Said she strives " to show compassion and empathy toward citizens impacted by mental illness..." and she normally "volunteer[s] to preside over involuntary commitment cases because it is essential we protect individuals struggling with mental illness."

Believes "Understanding the ramifications of substance use disorders and the possible treatment alternatives...are critical components of serving...as a district court judge."

The candidate's website says, "You deserve a judge who holds offenders accountable, considers rehabilitative efforts for the offender, and seeks to provide victims with the opportunity to heal."

Plans to  "holds offenders accountable, considers rehabilitative efforts for the offender, and seeks to provide victims with the opportunity to heal."

- Said, "My judicial philosophy is to follow the law as it is written. I was not elected to legislate from the bench."
- Said she strives " to show compassion and empathy toward citizens impacted by mental illness..." and she normally "volunteer[s] to preside over involuntary commitment cases because it is essential we protect individuals struggling with mental illness."
- Believes "Understanding the ramifications of substance use disorders and the possible treatment alternatives...are critical components of serving...as a district court judge."
- Plans to  "holds offenders accountable, considers rehabilitative efforts for the offender, and seeks to provide victims with the opportunity to heal."

Judicial Philosophy

Former member of the Billings Catholic School Board, and former chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board

Current member of the Breakfast Exchange Club, chair of the Yellowstone County Courthouse Safety Committee,  Montana Courthouse Safety Committee, and the Montana Child and Family Services Division State Advisory Council.

- Former member of the Billings Catholic School Board, and former chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board
- Current member of the Breakfast Exchange Club, chair of the Yellowstone County Courthouse Safety Committee,  Montana Courthouse Safety Committee, and the Montana Child and Family Services Division State Advisory Council.

Community Involvement

Instagram

Twitter

Ashley Harada

- 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.