Chief Judge Peter D. Welte of the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota has reappointed Magistrate Judge Clare R. Hochhalter to an eight-year term as a United States Magistrate Judge, effective February 8, 2027. This action supports the unanimous
recommendation to the Court from a Merit Selection Panel comprised of North Dakota attorneys and lay persons. The unanimous recommendation was made after a public notice and comment period, per United States statute.
Judge Hochhalter has served the Federal Court as a Magistrate Judge since 2019. As a United States Magistrate Judge, Judge Hochhalter conducts initial proceedings in criminal cases, manages pretrial matters in civil and criminal cases, conducts pretrial conferences and settlement conferences, conducts proceedings in Social Security appeals and prisoner litigation, presides over misdemeanor trials, and presides over civil trials with the consent of litigants.
Chief Judge Welte expressed gratitude and admiration for Judge Hochhalter's exemplary service to the District Court of North Dakota. Chief Judge Welte noted that Judge Hochhalter is highly respected by both the bench and the bar throughout the State of North Dakota and the Eighth Circuit. He further noted that his skill, dedication, and commitment as a United States Magistrate Judge are invaluable to the public, the court, and the administration of justice.
