Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

First elected Superior Court Judge 1995, reelected 2002, current term expires December 31, 2010. Seeking re-election for eight year term beginning January 1, 2011.

Personal: Born Wilmington, Delaware Dec. 14, 1947. Evangelical. Republican. Married to Deborah P. Hockenbury. One child Carolynn and two grandchildren. Enjoys backpacking, gardening, Civil War history and sailing.

Education: College at The Citadel B.A. with honors 1969 and Wake Forest University School of Law J.D. 1972. Graduated from the general jurisdiction course The National Judicial College 1996; Participant National Judicial College 2006 course, "Managing the Capital Case".

Military: Former Captain U.S. Army Infantry Reserve

Practice of Law: Admitted to practice North Carolina 1972, U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina 1972 and U.S. Court of Appeals Fourth Circuit 1973. In legal practice Wilmington, NC as associate with W.K. Rhodes, Jr. (1972-1975); Sole Practitioner (1975-1984) General practice with emphasis on Criminal and Family Law; Partner with James D. Smith, Law Firm of Hockenbury and Smith (1984-1994).

Organizations and Community Affairs: Chairman Technology Committee Conference of Superior Court Judges. Vice Chairman State of North Carolina Community Justice Partnership Commission. Board of Directors Sentencing Services Fifth Judicial District.  Member Federal Point Historical Society. Bible Teacher Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Board Member Pray Wilmington Inc. (Global and National Day of Prayer)

Partial List of Legal Activities: President Elect, Fifth Judicial District The North Carolina State Bar 1995. Instructor Structured Sentencing Seminar University of North Carolina at Wilmington 1996. Panelist, "11 Secrets to Success in the Courtroom: Fact and Expert Witness" Superior Court Judges Fall Conference 1999. Adjunct Faculty Member-Group Facilitator, the National Judicial College 2000. Guest Lecturer, "Sentencing Procedure and the Role of a Trial Judge", The Citadel 2003; Lecturer, "Computer and Internet Tips and Resources for Superior Court Judges", Fall 2006 Conference of Superior Court Judges.

My life's work has been in the judicial system; 22 years as an attorney and for the past 16 years as an elected Resident Superior Court Judge for the 5th Judicial District (New Hanover and Pender Counties). I am humbled by the voter's past confidence in me and, if re-elected, with God's help, I look forward to continue to serve you, the citizens of our state, in maintaining the Rule of  Law with equal and impartial justice to all.