Robert K. Martelle - Ballotpedia

Robert is a district court judge for North Carolina’s 29A Judicial District. He works at the North Carolina District Court, where he has served since his appointment in February 2013. He previously worked as a partner at the Williams & Martelle law firm from 1995 to 2013 and served as defense counsel for the District 29A Drug Treatment Court.

Chief Justice Beasley to Swear-in New Chief District Court Judge ...

Robert currently works as a district court judge. He previously worked as a partner at a law firm and as a defense counsel.

 Robert  K. Martelle currently serves as the district court judge for North Carolina’s 29A Judicial District. He was first elected in 2014 and is serving his third term. 

As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Legal Experience

As of January 2, 2026, Robert K. Martelle did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Robert K. Martelle

As a partner at Williams & Martelle from 1995 to 2013 and served as defense counsel for the District 29A Drug Treatment Court.

Source: Former WNC judge under investigation

Ballot order set after state drawing as Rutherford County fields ...

As of January 2, 2026, Robert K. Martelle’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 