Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed Arlene M. Asencio Perkkio as district court judge in the 1st Judicial District, which includes Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, LeSueur, McLeod, Scott and Sibley counties.
She replaces Judge Robert F. Carolan, who retired earlier this year.
Perkkio is currently an attorney in private practice, focusing on criminal defense work at both the state and federal level, with many cases dealing with immigration consequences for non-citizen clients. She has also taught at William Mitchell College of Law.
She earned her B.S. in political science from Macalester College in 1987, and her J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in 1991.
She has served on many boards, including La Clinica and Criminal Defense Services.
Said Dayton: “She is a supremely well-qualified attorney, who brings a wealth of courtroom experience to the First Judicial District Court. She has demonstrated a commitment to community service, and she is able to relate to individuals coming from diverse backgrounds, which will serve her well as judge.”
