The Honorable Michael J. Smith

Magisterial District Judge Michael Smith was appointed to fill the seat vacated by the retirement of Magisterial District Judge Bob Yanich. Smith was a candidate on the Republican and Democrat ballots in the May 17, 2005, Primary, and was victorious on both. He was appointed by the State Senate and commissioned by the Governor to take office on July 29, 2005. He was sworn into office by Dauphin County President Judge Richard A. Lewis at the Swatara Township Municipal Building. With no opposition in the November 8, 2005, General Election, he was elected to a full six year term as Magisterial District Judge.

Judge Smith was a Swatara Township Police Officer for 27 years prior to his retirement in January 2005. He served several years as a patrol officer and spent most of his career as a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division. He specialized in the investigation of sexual assault and child abuse cases, as well as being involved in hundreds of other investigations during his career. He also was a lead investigator on major homicide cases. He served for 11 years on the Swatara Township and Dauphin County Crisis Response Teams (SWAT), and was a team leader and physical fitness coordinator. Mike also served as a physical fitness trainer at the Municipal Police Academy at HACC.

Mike is a 1971 graduate of Middletown Area High School. He holds an Associates of Arts Degree in Police Administration from HACC, and Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Justice and Public Safety from Virginia Commonwealth University. He was certified by the Minor Judiciary Education Board of the PA Supreme Court in 2004.

Judge Smith is proud to continue his many years of public service in his new profession as Magisterial District Judge 12-2-01. His office serves the communities of Swatara Township, Lower Swatara Township and Paxtang Borough.

Fast Fact 
Coming soon... 

DIRECTIONS 

From the West Shore or Carlisle: Take I-81 North to I-83 South towards Harrisburg. Take Exit 44B to S 19th St.  Turn right onto S 19th St. Turn left onto Paxton St. Turn right onto S 28th St and then the first left into the parking lot.

From the North or Upper Dauphin Area: Follow Route 22-322 East to I-81 North to I-83 South towards Harrisburg. Take Exit 44B to S 19th St.  Turn right onto S 19th St. Turn left onto Paxton St. Turn right onto S 28th St and then the first left into the parking lot.

From PA Turnpike: Take Exit 19; take Route 283 North towards Harrisburg to I-83 South. Take Exit 44B to S 19th St.  Turn right onto S 19th St. Turn left onto Paxton St. Turn right onto S 28th St and then the first left into the parking lot.