trellis - Judge Mario E. Perez: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

WITN - Pitt County's new district court judge sworn in

Ballotpedia - Mario Perez

Mario E. Perez has a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's University, and a law degree from Georgetown University. He is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, and the American Bar Association. 

Mario E. Perez is a bilingual attorney with a background in criminal and civil law in the superior and district courts. He has also worked as an arbitrator in district court cases, a mediator for civil superior court cases, and as an assistant public defender for the Second Judicial District.

Mario E. Perez is the current District Court Judge for Judicial District 3. He was appointed to this position in 2018, and has served one term in this role. He is the first Hispanic judge to serve in his position. 

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As the current District Court Judge for North Carolina District 3, Judge Perez manages juries, the admission of evidence, and decides verdicts in a variety of cases.

Served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Second Judicial District and Pitt County. Assistant Public Defenders represent persons who cannot afford private legal representation by aiding in the administration of the Public Defender's Office, preparing cases, and assisting the Public Defender with their duties.

Served as a mediator for civil superior court cases in North Carolina until 2017. Mediators aid in resolving legal disputes through discussion, but do not provide binding decisions.

Served as an arbitrator in district court cases in North Carolina. Arbitrators oversee the alternative resolution of legal disputes by hearing testimony, viewing evidence, and examining briefings, resulting in a  binding decision on damages and liability of the parties involved.

Mario E. Perez is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia as of 1984, and North Carolina as of 1989.

Received a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University law center in 1984.

- As the current District Court Judge for North Carolina District 3, Judge Perez manages juries, the admission of evidence, and decides verdicts in a variety of cases.
- Served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Second Judicial District and Pitt County. Assistant Public Defenders represent persons who cannot afford private legal representation by aiding in the administration of the Public Defender's Office, preparing cases, and assisting the Public Defender with their duties.
- Served as a mediator for civil superior court cases in North Carolina until 2017. Mediators aid in resolving legal disputes through discussion, but do not provide binding decisions.
- Served as an arbitrator in district court cases in North Carolina. Arbitrators oversee the alternative resolution of legal disputes by hearing testimony, viewing evidence, and examining briefings, resulting in a  binding decision on damages and liability of the parties involved.
- Mario E. Perez is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia as of 1984, and North Carolina as of 1989.
- Received a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University law center in 1984.

Legal Experience

As of January 31, 2024, Mario E. Perez did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Said, "During this unprecedented upheaval caused by the Covid19 pandemic, I am proud to work with dedicated people in law enforcement and in district attorneys office who continue to perform their duties.  Everyone in our court system has stepped up to make sure this disruption does not upend our system of justice."

- Said, "During this unprecedented upheaval caused by the Covid19 pandemic, I am proud to work with dedicated people in law enforcement and in district attorneys office who continue to perform their duties.  Everyone in our court system has stepped up to make sure this disruption does not upend our system of justice."

Judicial Administration

Said, "I think a good judge must be humble and must be selfless... must show empathy... [and] be firm when it is required."

- Said, "I think a good judge must be humble and must be selfless... must show empathy... [and] be firm when it is required."

Judicial Philosophy

Serves as annual judge for the Greenville Regional Mock Trial Tournament.

- Serves as annual judge for the Greenville Regional Mock Trial Tournament.

Community Involvement

Mario E. Perez

Served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Second Judicial District and Pitt County. Assistant Public Defenders represent persons who cannot afford private legal representation by aiding in the administration of the Pubic Defender's Office, preparing cases, and assisting the Public Defender with their duties.

- As the current District Court Judge for North Carolina District 3, Judge Perez manages juries, the admission of evidence, and decides verdicts in a variety of cases.
- Served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Second Judicial District and Pitt County. Assistant Public Defenders represent persons who cannot afford private legal representation by aiding in the administration of the Pubic Defender's Office, preparing cases, and assisting the Public Defender with their duties.
- Served as a mediator for civil superior court cases in North Carolina until 2017. Mediators aid in resolving legal disputes through discussion, but do not provide binding decisions.
- Served as an arbitrator in district court cases in North Carolina. Arbitrators oversee the alternative resolution of legal disputes by hearing testimony, viewing evidence, and examining briefings, resulting in a  binding decision on damages and liability of the parties involved.
- Mario E. Perez is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia as of 1984, and North Carolina as of 1989.
- Received a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University law center in 1984.

As of January 31, 2024, Mario E. Perez did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

- Received a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University law center in 1984.
- Mario E. Perez is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia as of 1984, and North Carolina as of 1989.
- Served as an arbitrator in district court cases in North Carolina. Arbitrators oversee the alternative resolution of legal disputes by hearing testimony, viewing evidence, and examining briefings, resulting in a  binding decision on damages and liability of the parties involved.
- Served as a mediator for civil superior court cases in North Carolina until 2017. Mediators aid in resolving legal disputes through discussion, but do not provide binding decisions.
- Served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Second Judicial District and Pitt County. Assistant Public Defenders represent persons who cannot afford private legal representation by aiding in the administration of the Pubic Defender's Office, preparing cases, and assisting the Public Defender with their duties.
- As the current District Court Judge for North Carolina District 3, Judge Perez manages juries, the admission of evidence, and decides verdicts in a variety of cases.

Mario E. Perez is a current judge on the 3A Judicial District. He was appointed to this position in 2018, and has served one term in this role. He is the first Hispanic judge to serve in his position. 

Served as an arbitrator in district court cases in North Carolina until 2017. Arbitrators oversee the alternative resolution of legal disputes without litigation, and act as an unbiased judge.

- Received a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University law center in 1984.
- Mario E. Perez is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia as of 1984, and North Carolina as of 1989.
- Served as an arbitrator in district court cases in North Carolina until 2017. Arbitrators oversee the alternative resolution of legal disputes without litigation, and act as an unbiased judge.

- 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. 