By Tiffany Thompson, Staff Writer
Sunday, October 12, 2008 — Charles Collini will be running against Judges Tanya Wallace and Kevin Bridges for one of two superior court judge positions that were vacated by Resident Superior Court Judge Michael Beale and Judge Susan Taylor.
“The people of Anson, Richmond and Stanly Counties deserve a working judge who comes from a background that represents the district,” Collini said.
“I am dedicated to the people of District 20A and committed to ensuring the courtrooms are accessible to the people. This race is about electing a judge to represent all three counties, not one. This race is about the people of Anson, Richmond and Stanly County and not about politics. I want to give the courtrooms back to the people.”
Collini received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1970.
Following the traditions of his family, Collini enrolled in the law school at Chapel Hill in the fall of 1971 and graduated in the top 25 percent of his class.
He began his professional career as law clerk to the Algernon Lee Butler, chief judge of the United States District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina. This was an opportunity for Collini to observe judicial temperament and the decision making of a judge.
He was then given the opportunity to hone his trial skills in Superior Court by serving as assistant district attorney in the 20th Judicial District for almost six years, where he prosecuted felony cases on behalf of the state of North Carolina.
“During the past 30 years I've tried more than 200 criminal and civil cases to jury verdict in the Superior Courts of our district,” Collini said.
“I've strived to be a man of honor, character and integrity. I’ve learned the meaning of hard work and honest living. Those are the cornerstone values I will bring to the Superior Court bench.”
When he left the District Attorney’s office in 1984, he opened a law practice in Wadesboro where he has developed a multi-county practice focusing on trial work in the Superior Courts. Charlie takes pride in his “A” rating in Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory that is based on the confidential recommendations of his peers in the legal community.
Collini has been twice elected president of the 20th Judicial District Bar. Since his entry into private practice, Collini has been active in community affairs by serving on the boards of Anson Regional Medical Services and Hospice of Anson County.
Collini is married to the former Olivia Crawford of Pikeville. They have four grown children Charles Jr., Michael, Morgan and Meredith.
Collini and his wife are members of the First United Methodist Church in Wadesboro, where je has been a member of the Finance Committee and Olivia serves on the Bereavement Committee.
Contact Tiffany Thompson at (704) 982-2121 ext. 24 or snaponline24@carolina.rr.com.
