Nichols Hills names new judge
NICHOLS HILLS — Kevin E. Krahl, a longtime local attorney and a former Oklahoma County assistant district attorney, has been named municipal judge for the city of Nichols Hills. He will succeed Charles Lutz Jr., who will step down Sept. 5 after 32 years.
Krahl has lived in Nichols Hills since 1985, and said he is looking forward to “giving something back” to the community by serving as municipal judge.
City Manager Shane Pate said the three-member city council voted unanimously at a special meeting Aug. 16 to appoint Krahl as the city’s next municipal judge.
Pate said Krahl will be sworn in Sept. 11 during a city council meeting that will begin at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall, 6407 Avondale Drive.
“I am humbled by the appointment and will do my best to serve the citizens of Nichols Hills in a fair and impartial manner,” Krahl said recently. “Charlie (Lutz) left some big shoes to fill.”
Krahl, who is scheduled to preside over his first Municipal Court docket on Sept. 19, said his courtroom and legal experience have prepared him for his new role, not only from having appeared before more than 100 judges by his own estimate, but from serving as an assistant district attorney before entering private law practice.
Mayor Peter Hoffman predicted that Krahl will be an outstanding municipal judge.
“His character, intelligence, work ethic and long history in the field of law will bring a high degree of professionalism and excellence to our city,” Hoffman said.
Krahl knows the community well, understands its residents’ need for safety and security, and will administer justice fairly, the mayor said.