Judge Nelson, the municipal court judge in Rock Springs, said he has served on the bench for nearly 15 years and described the court’s primary responsibilities and challenges.

"Well, I've been in this position. It'll be 15 years come April," Judge Nelson said, explaining the court adjudicates municipal ordinances and hears cases where people contest citations issued inside the city limits. He said the court handles traffic offenses, animal-control matters, shoplifting and "drunk in public" cases among other municipal matters.

The mayor, who conducted the interview, pressed on common case types and evidence practices. "When I was shown the video I was like oh shoot I did not stop and paid my fine and moved on with life," the mayor said, recounting a personal traffic stop and saying video made the officer's account clear. Judge Nelson said recordings — store cameras and patrol vehicle-mounted video — have made reviewing evidence easier, singling out officer-mounted video as a routine source of courtroom evidence.

Judge Nelson emphasized the court's corrective philosophy. "The latter, obviously. I like to rectify the situation so it doesn't occur again," he said when asked whether the court is punitive or corrective. He added, "This court's goal is not to use the jail when we don't have to."

On caseload and supervision, Judge Nelson estimated the municipal court handles "between 2 and 3000 cases a year," though he said many matters conclude with payment of fines so defendants do not return for additional hearings. He said repeat offenders — particularly those with multiple DUIs — are often referred to state courts because municipal courts lack the probation and supervision resources state courts provide.

Asked what he would change about the system, Judge Nelson said he would like municipal courts to be able to put people on probation for longer than the current maximum. "The maximum penalty or probationary period is 6 months," he said, and noted a prior legislative effort to extend that limit failed.

Judge Nelson also told residents the municipal court is open to the public and strives for fairness. "They can always come down and see what's going on, and I think they would find that we make a strong effort to be fair in every case," he said.

The interview ended with directions to the municipal court office and where residents can pay fines and fees in city hall. "You will find the municipal court office ... this is where you come to pay your fines and fees," the mayor said.