Kentucky

The public is invited to attend the formal investiture of Chris Olds, who was elected November 4th, 2008 to the Franklin County District Court.

Judge Chris Olds represents Franklin County

Chief Franklin County Circuit Court Judge Reed Rhorer will preside over the investiture ceremony. Judge Thomas Wingate will perform the swearing in oath,  Monday, November 24th, at 9:30 a.m. EST in the Chambers of the Franklin County Courthouse (second floor) 218 St. Clair St., Frankfort.  Franklin County?s distinguished Jurist will be seated for the ceremony.

Robert V. Bullock- Attorney at Law, former Assistant Kentucky Attorney General, will provide opening remarks.  Judge Olds will be robed by his father Paul Olds.

Judge Olds has practiced law in Kentucky's courtrooms for 10 years. He is a  life long resident of Franklin County and a graduate of Georgetown University.

He is a partner in the law firm of Bullock & Coffman, LLP.   Upon graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Law (1997) in the top 10 percent of his class, Judge Olds practiced in state and federal courts throughout Kentucky.  Beginning as a prosecutor for one year he then entered into private practice. Judge Olds has argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the second highest court in the United States.

Judge Olds boasts 10 years of District Court experience.  Judge Olds extensive jury trial experience during this time is one of the qualities that make him a highly qualified District Judge.

In addition to his success as a  trial lawyer prior to his election to the bench, Judge Olds regularly provided free legal services to people in need.  Judge Olds was voted ?Best Attorney? in 2003 by the Best of Frankfort Awards and served as President of the Franklin County Bar Association, Special Master Commissioner of Franklin Circuit Court and a Teen Court Volunteer since 1998.

Judge Olds is married to Sarah Olds and is the proud father of two children.  His son, Ethan age 4 and his daughter Kayden 18 months. He is the son of Paul and Judy Olds of Franklin County.  Judge Olds is a member of the Evergreen Baptist Church and the Franklin County Rotary.  He enjoys quality time with his family.

District Court

The District Court has limited jurisdiction, which means it hears only certain types of cases. Ninety percent of all Kentuckians involved in court proceedings appear before District Court. Juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, probate of wills, felony preliminary hearings, small claims, and civil cases involving $4,000 or less are all District Court matters, as well as voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and cases relating to domestic violence and abuse. There are 116 district judges in sixty judicial districts in Kentucky. If a district has a high population and a heavy caseload, it may consist of only one county but have several judges. In less populated areas, a district may encompass more than one county, but have only one judge who travels among the district's counties to hear cases. In fiscal year 2004, the District Court recorded 829,957 cases filed and 818,827 cases disposed.