James F. Hughes

I am proud of my long record of public service, as a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and as a 20 year veteran of the New York State Police. I earned my undergraduate degree at night while working as a State Trooper. I retired in June, 1981, and in November of that year I was elected to the position of Town Justice in the Town of Clifton Park. I am currently serving my eighth term as Judge. Several years after my retirement in 1981, I attended Albany Law School full time and received my law degree in 1987.

As an attendee of the National Judicial College, I am honored to have been chosen as an instructor for the semi-annual Magistrates’ In-service Training Program, which I have been teaching for the past 22 years. I am a member of the Saratoga County Magistrates Association, and have served as its president for 3 terms.

The New York State Resource Center for Local Judges is an idea I conceived in 1986, which is an important tool that Judges can use to research information on the law. This Resource Center was later adopted by the State. I was also instrumental in initiating a reciprocal compact between New York State and the Province of Quebec for enforcement of traffic citations.

I authored a “Manual for Conducting Criminal DWI Jury Trials”, which has been used extensively by New York State Judges.

Legal Experience

• Town Justice, Town of Clifton Park, NY 1982 – Present
• Retired City Court Judge, Mechanicville, NY
• New York State Police (20 years) – retired as zone sergeant
• Law Guardian representing children in custody and visitation matters (20 years)
• New York State Magistrates certification program instructor
• General Practice of law with emphasis on Vehicle and Traffic tickets

Publications

• Authored a Manual for Conducting Criminal DWI Jury Trials, used extensively by New York State Judges.