Proven Experience. Trusted judgement.
The right Judicial Candidate for
Nash, Edgecombe and Wilson Counties.
Nash, Edgecombe and Wilson Counties.
About Mark Osterhout
I am a lifelong North Carolinian and a candidate for District Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District, serving Nash, Wilson and Edgecombe Counties. Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, I developed an early interest in the law and public service. After graduating from Belmont Abbey College, I attended Campbell University School of Law, fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. I earned a law degree in 1988 and was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar.
Following law school, I spent several years in Raleigh before beginning my legal career in 1996 with the Pitt County District Attorney's Office. There, I represented the State of North Carolina, prosecuting a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases. In 1999, I joined the law firm of Field & Cooper, PLLC, becoming a partner in 2001. For more than two decades, I have practiced law in district court, handling both criminal and civil matters and gaining extensive trial experience.I am married to Anna Brake, a Rocky Mount native whose family has deep roots in Edgecombe County. In 1999, we returned to Rocky Mount to raise our family. Our two children attended Nash County public schools and graduated from UNC - Chapel Hill. They are now pursuing successful careers, and I am immensely proud of the values and work ethic instilled through their upbringing. Committed to service beyond the courtroom, I have remained actively involved in the community including:
- Chairman, Rocky Mount Board of Adjustment
- Board Member, Rocky Mount Habitat for Humanity
- Member, Knights of Columbus
- Former Board Member, Harrison Family YMCA
- Former Youth Soccer and Basketball Coach
Having spent most of my life in eastern North Carolina, I understand the values, traditions, and challenges of the communities I serve. I am committed to fairness, respect, and the rule of law, and would be honored to serve as District Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District.
- Board Member, Rocky Mount Habitat for Humanity
- Member, Knights of Columbus
- Former Board Member, Harrison Family YMCA
- Former Youth Soccer and Basketball Coach
Having spent most of my life in eastern North Carolina, I understand the values, traditions, and challenges of the communities I serve. I am committed to fairness, respect, and the rule of law, and would be honored to serve as District Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District.
Experience Matters
Becoming a fair and effective District Court Judge requires years of real-world legal experience. I bring more than 28 years of legal practice to the bench, with a career devoted almost entirely to District Court matters.
My legal career began at the Pitt County District Attorney’s Office, where I prosecuted a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases. In 1999, I joined Fields and Cooper, PLLC, and became a partner in 2001. Since that time, my practice has focused on District Court, handling both criminal and civil matters.
I have extensive experience in criminal defense, representing clients from all walks of life, and I have also represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a broad range of civil cases, including contract disputes, real estate matters, domestic cases, construction disputes, collection actions, and landlord-tenant cases. I have tried numerous misdemeanor bench trials and felony jury trials, gaining substantial trial experience in both criminal and civil courts.
Throughout my career, I have stood with clients on both sides of the courtroom, advocating for fairness and equal justice. This experience has given me a deep understanding that every case has two sides and has shaped my commitment to impartiality, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.
Familiarity with the District Court system is essential for an effective judge. Over nearly three decades, I have consistently practiced in Nash, Wilson, and Edgecombe Counties and worked closely with courthouse personnel throughout the district. I have earned the respect of my peers, judicial officials, and clients through diligent preparation, a strong work ethic, and a thorough command of the law—while always treating everyone with courtesy and respect.
Having observed and participated in District Court proceedings for years, I am confident in my ability to preside over cases fairly, efficiently, and professionally, and to uphold justice in a manner worthy of the citizens of our judicial district.
Judicial Perspectives
District Court is where most people encounter the judicial system. District Court Judges make real decisions every day that impact the lives of victims, children and the community. As a lawyer who regularly appears in court with everyday people, I see the stress, fear and uncertainty they are feeling, and I take that responsibility seriously. As a judge I will use the same principles that have guided me throughout my legal career to make sure people’s rights are protected and that people who find themselves in the courtroom have the right to be heard in a fair, efficient and respectful manner.
My experience of representing people on both sides of the courtroom has taught me what it means to be impartial, which has instilled in me balance and perspective. Impartiality means listening fully to every party, applying the law consistently, and deciding cases based on facts and evidence—not personal beliefs, pressure, or popularity. I will approach every case with an open mind, a sense of compassion, understanding and common sense. As a judge I stand for accountability, public safety, safe communities and strong families but above all I’m committed to equal justice and fairness.
The courts have a responsibility to protect people while at the same time protecting the constitutional rights of everybody. I will always keep the Constitution first and follow the law in every decision that I make. A judge’s role is not to legislate from the bench or impose personal views, but to apply the law as written. I will consistently administer justice in a fair and impartial way, giving compassion when it’s called for, based on the circumstances of each case. I stand for equal justice and fairness. These are the cornerstones of a court system that is trusted and respected.
I have demonstrated my ability to stand firm under pressure. I believe that I’m recognized as being fair, consistent, and prepared in my work. If elected I will work diligently to improve courtroom efficiency, reduce delays, and ensure transparency.
Our community deserves a judge who will apply the law as written—fairly, impartially, and without bias or favoritism. It also deserves a District Court Judge who will listen, who is experienced, who is well-rounded, and guided not only by legal training, but by real-world life experience.
My commitment is straightforward: to be firm but fair, to uphold the Constitution, and to honor both the letter and the spirit of the law. I believe in common-sense leadership and in the principle that dedicated, everyday citizens can and should serve our community in elected office.
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