MOHAVE COUNTY – The Honorable Charles W. Gurtler is retiring and resigning his position as Presiding Judge of Mohave County Superior Court. Gurtler, a resident of Fort Mohave who presides in Bullhead City, informed Arizona Governor Doug Ducey of his decision to step down on June 30 in an April 14 correspondence.
“Entering my 27th year on the bench, I find that it is time to pursue other interests,” Gurtler’s resignation letter said. “I thank the citizens of Mohave County for allowing me to faithfully serve them these many years.”
Gurtler handled mostly juvenile matters while serving as Judge Pro Tem for 7.5-years before elected as Judge of Division 1 of Mohave County Superior Court in Nov., 2002. Completing the Courthouse addition project had been a priority and he’s ready to enjoy more family time.
“All of my children have moved out of state,” he said noting each of them are doing well in college in Wisconsin, California and Pennsylvania. “I want to be able to spend more time with them.”
Gurtler said he and his wife are looking forward to other pursuits, including outdoor activity.
“I want to go hunt and fish. I want to travel. My wife likes to travel. We both like to hike and kayak,” Gurtler said. “You just don’t get much of a chance to do that when both of you are working day in and day out and as busy as we’ve been.”
Ducey’s office issued notice Friday that the window has opened for anyone interested and eligible to apply for appointment to serve out the remainder of Gurtler’s term.
“Applicants must be at least 30 years of age and less than 65 years of age, of good moral character, admitted to the practice of law in Arizona, a resident of Arizona for the past five years and a resident of Mohave County for the past year,” the notice stated. “The judicial application form can be downloaded online at the Office of the Governor’s website: https://azgovernor.gov/judges.”
Applications are due by Friday, May 28.
Applicant screening will lead to interviews with members of the Governor’s staff. Ducey is free to conduct personal interviews as well before appointing Gurtler’s successor.
Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Brutinel has appointed Steve Moss to succeed Gurtler as Presiding Judge of Mohave County Superior Court, effective July 1. Moss conducts hearings in Lake Havasu City, but Gurtler said it is likely that Moss will take his caseload in Bullhead City and that the newly appointed Judge will assume Moss’ case profile and work in Lake Havasu.
Dave Hawkins
