Trellis, Judge Imelda J. Pate: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Ballotpedia, Imelda Pate

Imelda was born in Kinston and raised in LaGrange. She holds a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University and a law degree from Campbell University School of Law. She attends Queen Street United Methodist Church and is a member of the Church Choir. 

Imelda worked as an assistant district attorney for the Lenoir County District Attorney's Office. She previously taught as an instructor for the National Advocacy Center and the Institute of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Imelda J. Pate currently serves as a superior court judge in Superior Court District 8A. She was elected to this position in 2016 and is serving her first term. 

As superior court judge, Pate oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As an assistant district attorney, Pate prosecuted major drug, felony, and murder cases, and served as a special assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Raleigh.

- As superior court judge, Pate oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an assistant district attorney, Pate prosecuted major drug, felony, and murder cases, and served as a special assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Raleigh.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, Imelda J. Pate did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

The Goldsboro News-Argus, Pate puts in bid for Superior Court seat

Promised when running for superior court judge in 2015 to follow both the North Carolina and the US Constitution if elected.

Said when running for election in 2015 "I will always remember that the courthouse belongs to the people."

- Promised when running for superior court judge in 2015 to follow both the North Carolina and the US Constitution if elected.
- Said when running for election in 2015 "I will always remember that the courthouse belongs to the people."

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

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Was involved with the Kinston Evening Rotary, the Salvation Army, the GATE of Lenoir County, and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.

- Was involved with the Kinston Evening Rotary, the Salvation Army, the GATE of Lenoir County, and the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.

Community Involvement

Imelda J. Pate

- 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.