---
title: "Marina Spahr | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/marina-spahr-nd-scjd-1"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Marina Spahr

North Dakota South Central Judicial District Court · District Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Dakota South Central 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

- Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed Marina Spahr to the South Central Judicial District judgeship effective September 15, 2025, filling the vacancy left by Judge David E. Reich, who retired in June 2025
- North Dakota District Court Judge appointed in 2025 to the South Central Judicial District, with over 30 years of experience in civil and criminal law in both private practice and government service
- Her public service included county prosecution in several North Dakota counties, Burleigh County senior assistant state’s attorney from 2015 to 2019, and assistant attorney general and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit director beginning in 2019
- Credited with establishing North Dakota’s first Medicaid Fraud Control Unit during her time as Assistant Attorney General
- Court Website: North Dakota Court System – Judge Marina Spahr North Dakota Court System

### Education

- University of North Dakota law degree with distinction in 1992.

### Additional information

- Governor Kelly Armstrong appointed her to the South Central Judicial District in July 2025, effective September 15, 2025, succeeding David E. Reich.
- Practiced in Carrington and Cooperstown from 1994 to 2015
- She entered the North Dakota bar in 1994.
- handling family law, property, probate, estate planning, contracts and adoptions, and held a position as a certified divorce mediator.
- Marina Spahr is a Saskatoon native.

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