---
title: "Kari Michelle Agotness | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kari-m-agotness-nd-nejd-5"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Kari Michelle Agotness

North Dakota Northeast Judicial District Court · District Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Dakota Northeast 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

- She became Ramsey County state’s attorney by appointment in 2017 and election in 2018
- Lake Region State College, Devils Lake (Peace officer certificate)
- The court also modified attorney’s fees awarded to her
- District Court Judge for the Northeast Judicial District of North Dakota, serving in Department 5 based in Cavalier, ND
- Position: District Court Judge, Northeast Judicial District (Judgeship #5)
- Peace-officer certificate from Lake Region State College and undergraduate degrees from the University of North Dakota
- Her earlier work included police service, domestic-violence advocacy, child-support work as a special assistant attorney general, and nine years as Ramsey County clerk of court

### Education


### Additional information

- Appointed: February 1, 2021, by Governor Doug Burgum to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Laurie Fontaine
- Governor Doug Burgum appointed her to the Northeast Judicial District in 2021 to succeed Laurie Fontaine.
- October 8, 2007 (Admitted to N.D. Bar).
- Her academic qualifications include her UND law degree in 2006 and entered the North Dakota bar in 2007.
- 1973, Park River, ND (Born).
- Seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in public service, law enforcement, and prosecution before her judicial appointment.
- Her professional activities include the Lake Region Bar Association, a human-trafficking protocol team, and Court Management Institute fellowship.

## 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/northeast)
- [Official roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/northeast)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/northeast)
- [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/northeast)
- [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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