Judge Joseph A. Bueltel

Appointed/Elected:

Education:

WILLIAM MITCHELL COLLEGE OF LAW
J.D., Cum Laude, 1987
Activities:
*William Mitchell Law Review, Staff Writer, 1985 - 1986
*Semi-Finalist, Chief Justice Douglas K. Amdahl Trial Advocacy Competition, 1986 - 1987

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
B.A., 1984
Majors: Psychology and Sociology

NORMANDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
A.A., Honors Graduate, 1982
Major: Liberal Arts

Professional Experience:

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER
THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Owatonna, MN
Chief Public Defender, 1999 - 2002
Assistant Public Defender, 1992 - 1999
AWARDS:
*“Don’t Tread on Me Award,” 1993
*Clarence Earl Gideon Outstanding Service Award, 1996
*Most Trials Full-Time Attorney, 1996
*Best Client Success Story, 1998

SMITH & TOLLEFSON LAW FIRM
Private practice, 1988 - 1994
Owatonna, MN

THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Faribault, Minnesota
Judicial Law Clerk, 1987 - 1988

Legal and Community Activities:

Third District Chief Judge 2021 - 2025

Third District Assistant Chief Judge 2017 - 2021

Steele County Community Corrections Board, member, 2017 - 2024

Treatment Court Initiative Advisory Committee, member, 2018 - 2020 (Co-chair, 2020-2025)

Steele Waseca Drug Court, Lead Judge, Steele County, 2014 - Present

Olmsted County Justice Council, member, 2017 - 2021

Criminal Jury Instruction Guides Committee, 2005 - 2020

Steele County Children’s Justice Initiative, Lead Judge, 2004 - 2014

Steele County Bar Association
*Member, 1988 - Present
*Secretary, 1993
*Vice-President, 1994
*President, 1995

High School Mock Trial Program
*Coach, Janesville High School, 1988
*Coach, Owatonna High School, 1991 - 1993

Steele County Habitat for Humanity
*Secretary, 1993 - 1995
*Board of Directors, 1993 - 1998
*Co-Chair, Family Selection, 1993 - 2000
*Member, Family Selection, 2000 - 2003