Governor fills another vacancy at Macomb court

Judge Matthew Sabaugh, who has served more than a decade at 37th District Court, has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the bench at  Macomb County Circuit Court.

Sabaugh will fill the seat recently vacated by Carl Marlinga, who resigned in March to run for Congress.

Macomb County Circuit Court Chief Judge James M. Biernat Jr. applauded the appointment and said he looked forward to working with Sabaugh.

“Judge Sabaugh is a longtime friend and colleague,” Biernat said. “I believe the governor made a great choice appointing him to the circuit court bench.”

Sabaugh said he was honored to be selected, vowing “to provide fair, efficient and accessible justice to all the citizens of Macomb County.

“I will continue to be a judge who listens respectfully to all sides in the courtroom,” he said. “Everyone who appears before me can be assured that I will decide their case without fear or favor and according to the law.”

The appointment was made to fill a partial term, beginning on April 13 and expiring on Jan. 1, 2023.

Shortly after Marlinga announced his resignation, Sabaugh declared his candidacy for the seat and filed nominating petitions with the Secretary of State for the Aug. 6 primary.

The appointment is the third judicial appointment that Whitmer has made in recent months.

Last month, the governor selected attorney Sara A. Schimke to fill the seat on Macomb County Probate Court left vacant with the December retirement of Kathryn George. Schimke, a New Baltimore resident, had been working at the law firm of Chalgian & Tripp PLLC of Southfield, specializing in probate law, estate planning and advocacy.

Late last year, Whitmer tapped Teri Lynn Dennings, the employment and employee benefits attorney for Consumers Energy Co., to take the seat of Judge Mark Switalski, whose retirement took effect Jan. 7.
Sabaugh has served as a judge with the court serving Warren and Center Line since his appointment in 2008.

 He also serves as the chief judge pro tem, the presiding judge of the Treatment Court, and he started Macomb County’s first eviction diversion program.

In 2008, Sabaugh started a Court in School program where real court cases are seen by middle and high school students.

Prior to his appointment to the bench, Sabaugh was an assistant prosecutor for Macomb County where he was assigned to the circuit court, district court, and consumer protection division.

He currently serves as an adjunct professor for the paralegal program at Macomb County Community College.

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