Panel Weighs Carter for Federal Bench

An Orange County Superior Court judge could be confirmed for the federal bench as early as next week following a Senate Judiciary hearing Thursday on his nomination.

David O. Carter, sponsored for the federal district judgeship by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D.-Calif) and Rep. Christopher Cox (R.-Newport Beach), faced no tough questions and no opposition during the brief hearing in Washington.

President Clinton nominated Carter in June for the position in California’s Central District, which is based in Los Angeles and encompasses seven counties, including Orange.

“He has bipartisan support and the support of the law-enforcement community, as well as the hands-on experience to serve ably on the bench,” Feinstein said.

“Judge Carter has received more letters of support than any other candidate I have ever interviewed for judicial appointment,” she said.

After receiving his law degree from UCLA in 1972, Carter was an assistant district attorney in Orange County. He became a municipal court judge in 1981 and has presided in Superior Court since 1982.

A resident of Laguna Beach, Carter “has spent the last quarter of a century in Orange County, and we are very grateful that an Orange County [resident] has been nominated to serve in Orange County’s federal court,” Cox said.

Before entering law school, Carter served in Vietnam with the Marines, achieving the rank of first lieutenant. He was injured during the Tet offensive and awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Community organizations have honored Carter for his service and contributions, including the Orange County Narcotic Officers Assn. and the Orange County Bar Assn.

Federal court officials said no decision has been made on whether Carter, if confirmed, would serve in Los Angeles or Orange County.