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BOARD/COMMISSION:  Board on Judicial Standards

(Judicial Board)


Address

1270 Northland Drive
Suite 160
Mendota Heights, MN
55120

Web Site

Supporting Entity/Enabling Legislation Supported by Board

ENABLING LEGISLATION
M.S. 490A.01, 490A.02
Enabled: 08-01-2019
Revisor of Statutes Link

Chair and Contact
CONTACT
Sara P. Boeshans
(651) 296-5453
CHAIR
Timothy O'Brien
(612) 766-8322

TITLE
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
PRIMARY
Executive Assistant
mary.pat.maher@state.mn.us
(651) 296-3999
No
Executive Secretary
sara.boeshans@state.mn.us
(651) 296-5453
Yes
Staff Attorney
amy.ihlan@state.mn.us
(651) 297-4101
No
TITLE
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
PRIMARY
Chair
Timothy.OBrien@FaegreBD.com
(612) 766-8322
Yes
Membership
Membership includes one judge of the Court of Appeals; three trial judges; two lawyers with 10 years experience in the state; and four public members. Senate confirmation is not required for the judicial members. No member may serve more than two full four-year terms or their equivalent.
Member Info

COMPENSATION

  • Per Diem: $55.00
  • Other Compensation:

MEMBERSHIP DETAILS

  • Requires Older Member - no
  • Requires Senate Approval - yes
  • Members file campaign finance and disclosure - no

Entity Powers and Duties, Activity Summary
The Board investigates allegations of misconduct by Minnesota judges and other judicial officers and recommends judicial discipline to the Supreme Court, including censure, suspension, retirement, or removal of judges. The Board also educates the judiciary and the public on the role of the Board on Judicial Standards and on the Code of Judicial Conduct.

ACTIVITY SUMMARY

In 2023, the Board received a total of 890complaints, summarily dismissed 845 complaints, reviewed 43 complaints at board meetings, authorized investigations of 23 complaints, and issued discipline against three judges. The Board also issued seven letters of caution to judges regarding their conduct to point out areas in need of improvement.  In addition, the Executive Secretary issued nearly 100 informal advisory opinions to individual judges at their request.  The Board engaged in outreach and education for judges at bench meetings, seminars and conferences.  Board staff implemented an online complaint submission form and online record management.    

Meeting Information
Meetings typically last: 4
Meeting Frequency: Meetings are held approximately every seven weeks, with occasional special meetings.

Meetings are held at:
Meetings are held in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.


Fiscal Information
Annual Staff Hours: 5824.00
Total Appropriations:
Appropriations Description: In 2023, the Board received $530,000 for its operating budget and $125,000 for major investigations and hearings.
Fiscal Year Expenses:

Expenses Description:


Open Positions (2)
POSITION SEAT AUTHORITY 21-DAY MIN GUARANTEE #SEATS ACTION
Court Of Appeals Judge Court Of Appeals Judge Governor 11/21/2024 1 APPLY
Public Member Public Member #4 Governor 11/21/2024 1 APPLY

NAME POSITION APPLICATION DATE
Hon. Jeanne Cochran Court Of Appeals Judge 1/27/2025
Dr Leonard Axelrod Leonard.Axelrod@metrostate.edu Public Member 2/24/2025
Tyler Coleman Public Member 11/20/2024
Sarah Driever Public Member 3/6/2025
Donna Ennis Public Member 12/31/2024
Kurt Grunzke Public Member 1/31/2025
LUEVA KARACHALIOS Public Member 2/18/2025
Mr. Michael Mobley Public Member 3/31/2025
Holly Rien Public Member 12/12/2024
Scott Sakaguchi Public Member 11/9/2024
David Singleton Public Member 11/1/2024
Dr. Matthew Stiehm Public Member 12/9/2024
Ms. Maria Tran Public Member 11/9/2024

No pending appointments found.

POSITION/SEAT
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
MEMBER NAME
STATUS
TERM END
ACTION
Chair
Governor
Filled
10/06/2025

Current Members (10)
POSITION/SEAT
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
MEMBER NAME
STATUS
TERM END
Attorney #1
Governor
Filled
01/05/2026
Attorney #2
Governor
Filled
01/04/2027
Court Of Appeals Judge
Governor
Posted
01/06/2025
Public Member #1
Governor
Filled
01/04/2027
Public Member #2
Governor
Filled
01/05/2026
Public Member #3
Governor
Filled
01/04/2027
Public Member #4
Governor
Posted
01/06/2025
Trial Judge #1
Governor
Filled
01/03/2028
Trial Judge #2
Governor
Filled
01/04/2027
Trial Judge #3
Governor
Filled
01/05/2026