---
title: "Bradley A. Cruff | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/bradley-cruff-nd-sejd-3"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Bradley A. Cruff

North Dakota Southeast Judicial District Court · District Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Dakota Southeast Judicial District Court
- State: North Dakota
- Role: District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-10-02

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Elected District Court Judge for Southeast Judicial District #3 in Wahpeton, North Dakota, serving since 2012
- In 2005 he held the role of Valley City attorney and then Barnes County state’s attorney, continuing as prosecutor until election to the bench
- Barnes County commissioner in 1998–2002 and became a partner at Lenaburg, Fitzner, Nelson, Hooper & Cruff in 2000
- Began at Carol S. Nelson’s firm in Valley City, held the role of municipal judge in 1996–1998 and later as assistant city attorney
- Tracy Reames, Court Recorder/Staff Attorney (Staff)
- Position: District Court Judge, Southeast Judicial District #3 (Wahpeton, ND)
- Judge Cruff serves in the Southeast Judicial District, which covers multiple counties in northwestern North Dakota

### Education

- Raised near Rogers, he graduated from Barnes County North High School in 1982, Valley City State College with a B.A. in 1986, and the University of North Dakota with a J.D. in 1994; he joined the state bar in 1994.

### Additional information

- 2012 for the SEJD #3 judgeship (Elected).
- Bradley A. Cruff serves in North Dakota’s Southeast Judicial District at Wahpeton, elected in 2012.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing and evidence

Scope: statewide

North Dakota Administrative Rule 52 permits reliable electronic-means proceedings in district and municipal courts on the court's or a party's motion; a party seeking the proceeding must give notice and obtain court approval.

Evidence excerpt: Parties seeking to hold an electronic means proceeding must provide notice to the other parties and obtain approval from the court.

[North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
Source checked: 2026-07-27

### remote hearing and evidence

Scope: statewide

North Dakota's official Rule 52 guidance states that in civil actions a court may conduct a hearing, conference, other proceeding, or take testimony by reliable electronic means.

Evidence excerpt: In a civil action, the court may conduct a hearing, conference, or other proceeding, or take testimony, by reliable electronic means.

[North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
Source checked: 2026-07-27


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/southeast)
- [Official roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/southeast)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/southeast)
- [North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/southeast)
- [North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)

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