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NC, Governor Cooper Announces Superior Court Appointment

Ricardo is from Idaho. He holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Southern Virginia University and a law degree from Ave Maria School of Law. 

Ricardo previously worked as a senior trial attorney and assistant public defender at the Pulaski Public Defender’s Office. He also worked as an assistant public defender at the New Hanover Public Defender's Office and the Public Defender's Office in Judicial Circuit 20. 

Ricardo Jenson currently serves as a superior court judge in Superior Court District 6. He was appointed to this position in 2024. 

As an assistant public defender, Jenson assisted in the planning, administration, organization, and operation of the Public Defender's Office.

As a senior trial attorney at the Pulaski Public Defender’s Office., Jenson researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.

- As an assistant public defender, Jenson assisted in the planning, administration, organization, and operation of the Public Defender's Office.
- As a senior trial attorney at the Pulaski Public Defender’s Office., Jenson researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients.

Legal Experience

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

Ethics & Conduct

Candidate website

Believes "compassion and patience" are essential for judges to manage courtrooms effectively. Supports ensuring everyone is "listened to and respected" to improve judicial administration.

Believes showing compassion when handling day-to-day matters is essential as a judge. 

- Believes showing compassion when handling day-to-day matters is essential as a judge. 

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

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Ricardo Jensen

Believes extensive courtroom experience is crucial for Superior Court judges. Said, "Judge Jensen's experience in the courtroom is essential to what we need in Superior Court."

Believes legal education and significant trial experience are crucial for advancing in a legal career.

Believes extensive legal experience across multiple states and countries is crucial for serving the community effectively.

Believes community involvement is essential for a well-rounded judge. Supports engaging with diverse individuals to empathize with their unique situations.

Judge Ricardo Jensen hails from a small farming community in southern Idaho and has a cultural heritage that spans the United States and Costa Rica. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. Details about where he attended school, his church affiliation, and his family life are not provided in the information given.

Judge Ricardo Jensen moved to Virginia in 2016, where he passed the Virginia Bar Exam and continued his career as a Public Defender before being promoted to a Senior Trial Attorney. He is currently serving as a judge in New Hanover County.

As of July 8, 2024, Ricardo Jensen’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.