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Trellis Law

Kent earned his bachelor's degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and his law degree from the North Carolina Central University School of Law.

Kent worked as a private practice attorney prior to his election as superior court judge. He previously worked as an associate attorney for Brown, Flebotte, Wilson and Horn, PLLC and as a collection associate for Barclays American Mortgage Corporation.

R. Kent Harrell currently serves as a superior court judge in Judicial District 5. He was elected in 2016 and has served 1 term. He previously ran for the position in 2014, but did not win at that time.

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As an attorney, worked on cases such as property issues, divorce, wildlife violations, traffic, and criminal charges.

- As an attorney, worked on cases such as property issues, divorce, wildlife violations, traffic, and criminal charges.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, R. Kent Harrell did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Kent Harrell: Bio and Q&A

Supported upgrading the technology used by the court system.

- Supported upgrading the technology used by the court system.

Judicial Administration

Supports the diversion of youth committing minor offenses from the jail system.

Advocates the use of the Drug Court for helping "...those charged with possession of controlled substances to get the treatment they need."

- Supports the diversion of youth committing minor offenses from the jail system.
- Advocates the use of the Drug Court for helping "...those charged with possession of controlled substances to get the treatment they need."

Judicial Philosophy

Served as "attorney advocate for the Guardian Ad Litem program in Pender County for 20 years, representing the needs of abused and neglected children removed by the Department of Social Services."

- Served as "attorney advocate for the Guardian Ad Litem program in Pender County for 20 years, representing the needs of abused and neglected children removed by the Department of Social Services."

Community Involvement

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R. Kent Harrell

R. Kent Harrell currently serves as superior court judge in Judicial District 5. He was elected in 2016 and has served one term. He previously ran for the position in 2014, but did not win,

As of June 14, 2024, R. Kent Harrell did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

Website says, "Kent has served as attorney advocate for the Guardian Ad Litem program in Pender County for 20 years, representing the needs of abused and neglected children removed by the Department of Social Services."

- Website says, "Kent has served as attorney advocate for the Guardian Ad Litem program in Pender County for 20 years, representing the needs of abused and neglected children removed by the Department of Social Services."

- 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.