Judge Kevin Kane to retire this springdetail

Judge Kane began his legal career as a State Supreme Court Law Clerk in New Mexico in 1980. He had his own practice for several years. He also served as Presiding Judge in Hyde Park, Utah, was Chief County Public Defender in Cochise County, and was a trial judge in Phoenix Municipal Court before being named Presiding Judge for the Tempe Municipal Court in 2016.

Judge Kane served on the Governing Council for the Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court and was its Presiding Judge from 2014 - 2017. The homeless court works to resolve minor misdemeanors, victimless offences and warrants for people who demonstrate a commitment to end their homelessness, offering opportunities for clean records, waived fines and expunged warrants.

He is currently Chair of the Governing Council for the East Valley Regional Veterans' Court. This court partners legal and treatment practitioners who are familiar with the challenges facing veterans, including PTSD. Judge Kane also presided over Tempe's Mental Health Court, which addresses the unique needs of individuals with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities.

"Judge Kane's compassionate justice has improved Tempe Municipal Court during his 10 years with the City of Tempe," said Mayor Corey Woods. "His work leading the Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court and the East Valley Regional Veterans' Court have made it possible for hundreds of people to get their lives back on track after their struggles. He will be missed."

Under Judge Kane's guidance, Tempe Municipal Court has implemented new methods to make it easier and faster for people to navigate the legal system.

Some of the improvements to the court that Judge Kane oversaw include:

• Transitioning civil and civil traffic case processing to an electronic case file
• Collaborating with Tempe's Human Health and Human Services Department to enhance access to the City's Resource Navigator
• Reinstating a streamlined referral process for substance abuse screenings
• Authorizing the development of a domestic violence treatment program
• Improving court accessibility with remote appearances
• Collaborating with ASU to launch a text message initiative to ensure the public had information to help resolve their civil traffic cases in a timely manner.

"Judge Kane has been a tremendous asset to the court system for the City of Tempe. Judge Kane has overseen numerous efficiency improvements to the municipal court despite increasing caseloads while still personally carrying a regular caseload as a distinguished jurist. During his tenure with the Tempe City Court, Judge Kane maintained the integrity of the court and brought innovative new ideas to the administration of justice. We hope he gets a chance to finally enjoy retirement," said City Attorney Eric Anderson.

The search for a new Presiding Judge is underway. Applications are being accepted through Jan. 30.