Mark E. Janer, director of the Bay County Office of Criminal Defense, today announced

Janer is seeking the position that will become available upon the retirement of District Judge Scott J. Newcombe.

Newcombe has indicated he will retire in May after 31 years on the bench.

 

Two district judge seats, one of them a six-year term, and a six-year circuit judge post are up for grabs in the Tuesday, Nov. 2, general election.

Circuit Judge William J. Caprathe plans to retire at the end of his term, Dec. 31. Caprathe has 29 years on the bench.

 

So far, only Bay City attorney Harry P. Gill of Kennedy, Gill & Ball, has expressed his intent to run to succeed Caprathe.

Janer is the first hopeful to announce his candidacy for Newcombe’s position.

 

“District Court judges’ dockets are comprised of approximately 75 percent criminal work,” Janer said. “My 24 years of experience in criminal courts will serve the citizens of Bay County well.”

 

In terms of courtroom experience, Janer said he is near the top of the list of attorneys in handling criminal matters.

 

Bay City attorney Jason P. Gower is one of several people who already have thrown their support behind Janer.“He is well respected in all circles of practice in criminal law, both on the prosecution side and defense side of cases,” Gower said. “Mark Janer, in my opinion, will truly be the people’s judge.”

 

Janer graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1979 from the University of Detroit, where he maintained a double major in economics and finance. 

He earned his Juris Doctorate in 1982 from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, where he graduated Cum Laude.

 

Upon receiving his law license, Janer served as a law clerk for Livingston County Circuit Judge Stanley J. Latreille. 

 

Janer moved to Bay County after taking a position as an associate attorney with Bielawski & Hegle. After one year, he went into private practice.

In 1985, Janer took a job with the county, representing indigent defendants. He has worked for the county more than 24 years and has held the position of director and chief defense attorney for the last eight years.

 

Janer is a member of the Bay County Community Corrections Board and also serves as a team member and criminal defense representative for the Bay County Treatment Court.

 

He is president of development for All Saints High School and other Bay Area Catholic Schools and chairman of the annual BACS golf outing. He also is a member of the Bay City Lions Club.

 

Janer previously served as a member of the Bay County Substance Abuse Coalition and has volunteered as a basketball coach and little league baseball coach and umpire.

 

He and his wife, Kathy, a registered nurse, have been married for 27 years and have five sons, ages 17 to 25.

 

Non-incumbent candidates have until 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, to file nominating petitions and affidavits of identity and Constitutional qualification.

 

District judges handle traffic cases, misdemeanors and certain civil matters and determine whether felony cases will be dismissed or passed up to circuit court.