January 10, 2012

Gov. Nixon appoints Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney as new Associate Circuit Judge for Clay County

JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon today appointed Karen L. Krauser, the Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Clay County, as the new Associate Circuit Judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit. The position became vacant upon the retirement of the Honorable Donald T. Norris.  

Krauser has served as a Clay County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney since 2002, and as the Chief Deputy since 2008. During her tenure with the office, she has prosecuted a wide variety of criminal cases, both felony and misdemeanor, and has tried 25 jury trials and supervised an additional 28 jury trials. The cases she has handled have included three death penalty cases. Krauser also has served as a Municipal Judge in both Excelsior Springs and Platte Woods.

Krauser obtained her law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, and her undergraduate degree from Park University in Parkville.  

"For 10 years, Karen Krauser has served the citizens of Clay County by ably representing them in the courtroom," Gov. Nixon said. "She will continue to be an effective public servant in her new role as Associate Circuit Judge." 

Krauser was one of three applicants submitted to the Governor for consideration by the Seventh Circuit Judicial Commission under the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan.