The most common criminal cases heard in the Bellingham Municipal Court include assault, malicious mischief, theft, driving under the influence of intoxicants (“D.U.I.”), trespassing, violation of protective orders, driving with a suspended license, disorderly conduct, and minor in possession or consumption of alcohol. Many of the Court’s cases involve domestic violence. The Court also hears thousands of civil infractions, primarily involving traffic and parking violations, each year.
The Bellingham Municipal Court has jurisdiction over violations of the Bellingham Municipal Code, including both criminal matters and civil infractions, committed in the City of Bellingham. The Court also has appellate jurisdiction over impoundment decisions of the City’s Hearings Examiner. The Whatcom County Superior Court has jurisdiction over felonies committed within the City of Bellingham.
Judge Debra Lev
Judge Lev became Bellingham’s first elected Municipal Court Judge in
January, 2002. She previously served as the Court’s Commissioner for four
years. Judge Lev has also managed a private law firm and served as a Deputy
District Attorney. She has lived and practiced law in the Bellingham area
since 1990. Judge Lev received a degree in Communications from the University
of Michigan at Ann Arbor and graduated from Stetson University’s College of
Law.
Commissioner Pete Smiley
Commissioner Smiley was appointed by Judge Lev in January, 2003.
Commissioner Smiley previously served as an Assistant City Attorney, Deputy
Prosecuting Attorney, and Assistant Attorney General for the State of
Washington. He was raised in Bellingham, and graduated from Sehome High
School. Commissioner Smiley received a degree in Government from Cornell
University and graduated from Cornell Law School.
Judges Pro Tem
Judges pro tem are appointed by Judge Lev to serve as substitute
judges. Judges Pro Tem for the Bellingham Municipal Court include:
