Trellis

Christine received her bachelor's degree from Boston College and her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Christine previously worked as a private attorney and founding member of Grafstein & Walczyk. She has also taught at Meredith College and Wake Technical Community College.

Ballot Pedia

Christine M. Walczyk currently serves as the District Court Judge in Judicial District 10. She was appointed in 2007 and is serving her fourth elected term.

As a state district court judge, Walczyk oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization procedures, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As an attorney at Grafstein & Walczyk, Walczyk researched and drafted legal documents, and helped clients negotiate settlements with individuals and companies. She handled business, criminal, and juvenile matters.

- As a state district court judge, Walczyk oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization procedures, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an attorney at Grafstein & Walczyk, Walczyk researched and drafted legal documents, and helped clients negotiate settlements with individuals and companies. She handled business, criminal, and juvenile matters.

Legal Experience

Indy Week

Believes in "patience and compassion for those with mental health, poverty and substance abuse issues."

Believes judges must "[Follow] the letter of the law as it written, and not as we would like it to be."

- Believes in "patience and compassion for those with mental health, poverty and substance abuse issues."
- Believes judges must "[Follow] the letter of the law as it written, and not as we would like it to be."

Ethics & Conduct

Believes growth is the biggest issue in the Wake County courthouse and that cases must be handled at a more efficient rate.

Said, "In Family Court...it is imperative that we offer families and children seeking stable custody arrangements a resolution within a reasonable time period."

Believes overcrowding will be alleviated by the new Judicial System Building that is to be built across the street.

Does not oppose raising the juvenile jurisdiction to 18 and said, "The benefit to prosecuting an individual as a juvenile...is that we are able to balance the application of punishment with rehabilitative philosophies and services to the juvenile."

Opposes raising suggested bond guidelines for serious felonies.

- Believes growth is the biggest issue in the Wake County courthouse and that cases must be handled at a more efficient rate.
- Said, "In Family Court...it is imperative that we offer families and children seeking stable custody arrangements a resolution within a reasonable time period."
- Believes overcrowding will be alleviated by the new Judicial System Building that is to be built across the street.
- Does not oppose raising the juvenile jurisdiction to 18 and said, "The benefit to prosecuting an individual as a juvenile...is that we are able to balance the application of punishment with rehabilitative philosophies and services to the juvenile."
- Opposes raising suggested bond guidelines for serious felonies.

Judicial Administration

Said, "The cost of litigation is also a growing concern...As judges, we have to ensure that the court system works for everyone, and that we minimize the disadvantages to individuals choosing to handle their own legal matters."

Believes the local rules must be revised to make it easier for litigants to navigate the system and have their cases heard.

Said, "In my opinion, politics are not relevant in District Court. We need impartial, balanced, intelligent and temperate judges with no agendas."

Wants to create youth support systems such as clubs and athletics to prevent delinquency and gang involvement.

Believes not continuing cases past 120 days after the first appearance is too long of a period.

Supports public financing of judicial races.

Prefers structure to judicial discretion in deciding sentences because the latter can cause inconsistent application of sentences including "disparities based on race or income."

- Said, "The cost of litigation is also a growing concern...As judges, we have to ensure that the court system works for everyone, and that we minimize the disadvantages to individuals choosing to handle their own legal matters."
- Believes the local rules must be revised to make it easier for litigants to navigate the system and have their cases heard.
- Said, "In my opinion, politics are not relevant in District Court. We need impartial, balanced, intelligent and temperate judges with no agendas."
- Wants to create youth support systems such as clubs and athletics to prevent delinquency and gang involvement.
- Believes not continuing cases past 120 days after the first appearance is too long of a period.
- Supports public financing of judicial races.
- Prefers structure to judicial discretion in deciding sentences because the latter can cause inconsistent application of sentences including "disparities based on race or income."

Judicial Philosophy

Has been a member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys.

Mentored college and high school students and received the Volunteer Lawyer’s Program “Outstanding Volunteer Attorney Award” for two consecutive years.

- Has been a member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys.
- Mentored college and high school students and received the Volunteer Lawyer’s Program “Outstanding Volunteer Attorney Award” for two consecutive years.

Community Involvement

Christine M. Walczyk

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 