Ballotpedia

Max Ashworth wins GOP primary for Superior Court judicial seat 

Max is from Fuquay-Varina. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a law degree from Campbell Law School. Max is married to his wife, Heather, with whom he has 2 children.

Max works as a public defender for the New Hanover County Public Defender's Office. He previously worked at a local real estate and bankruptcy law firm.

Max Ashworth's campaign for superior court judge in District 6 is his first run for public office. 

As a public defender, Ashworth handled cases involving juveniles, parental rights, appellate briefs, and adult defendants.

- As a public defender, Ashworth handled cases involving juveniles, parental rights, appellate briefs, and adult defendants.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, Max Ashworth’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

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Wants to prioritize providing mental health resources.

- Plans to address case backlogs.
- Wants to prioritize providing mental health resources.
- Holds community safety as a priority.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Max Ashworth

Max is from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor's degree from University of North Carolina Wilmington and a law degree from Campbell Law School. Max is married his wife, Heather, and together they have two children.

Max Ashworth's campaign for superior court judge in District 6 is his first run for public office.

Believes legal experience integrates his passions for education, community engagement, and helping others.

The candidate's website says, "After graduating from Campbell Law School and passing the BAR exam a few months later, he received a job offer at the New Hanover County Public Defender's Office."

Believes in "unwavering dedication to community" through legal education and a thriving legal career.

As a public defender, worked on cases involving juveniles, parental rights, appellate briefs, and adult defendants.

- As a public defender, worked on cases involving juveniles, parental rights, appellate briefs, and adult defendants.

- Plans to address case backlogs.
- Wants to prioritize providing mental health resources.

- Supports an impartial approach to cases.

Candidate website

Believes extensive legal experience, including representing juveniles and adults, is crucial for effective advocacy. As a former President of the New Hanover County Bar Association, received Chief Justice Paul Newby's Professionalism Award.

As a former President of the New Hanover County Bar Association, received Chief Justice Paul Newby's Professionalism Award.

- As a former President of the New Hanover County Bar Association, received Chief Justice Paul Newby's Professionalism Award.

Max Ashworth hails from the small town of Fuquay-Varina and values hard work and community support. He attended Woodberry Forest School in Virginia and pursued further studies at UNCW. Max enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Heather, and their two children.

As of July 8, 2024, Max Ashworth’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- The Superior Court Judge hears both civil and criminal cases. Superior Court Judges try civil cases involving more than $10,000. Superior Court Judge hear appeals of misdemeanors and infraction cases that were first heard in the District Court,
- They make decisions on bail, meaning a Superior Court Judge could keep a non-dangerous person in jail before they are convicted by setting a high bail.
- In each district (except Wake County), the most senior judge in years of service is designated the senior resident superior court judge. They are responsible for various administrative duties, including appointing magistrates and some other court officials, and managing the scheduling of civil cases for trial.
- Superior court judges rotate among the districts within their divisions.  
- The Superior Court Judge is elected for 8-year terms. Elections are partisan.