We, the undersigned, call on the North Dakota Legislative Assembly to immediately open impeachment proceedings against Judges Robin A. Schmidt and Benjamen Johnson of the Northwest Judicial District for abuse of power, collusion with politically connected law firms, and systemic denial of citizens’ constitutional rights.

Our Courts Are in Crisis
The people of North Dakota rely on our courts to be fair, impartial, and open to all. But in Williams County, that trust has been broken. Judges Robin Schmidt and Ben Johnson stand accused of abusing their judicial power, colluding with Vogel Law Firm’s political network, and actively blocking citizens from accessing the courts when it serves the interests of insiders.

The Allegations:

1. Unlawful Orders Without Due Process: Judge Schmidt issued a “pre-filing order” labeling a citizen a vexatious litigant—without notice or hearing—violating North Dakota’s own rules and the Constitution.
2. Collusion With Vogel Law Firm: Both judges have tolerated and benefited from the influence of Vogel Law Firm, which operates as a shadow power structure in North Dakota politics and the courts.
3. Tolerating Unauthorized Practice of Law: They ignored clear evidence of a non-attorney acting as legal counsel for others in violation of professional conduct rules.
4. Two-Tier Justice System: They delayed or denied hearings for ordinary citizens while fast-tracking politically favored cases.
5. Part of a Larger Corruption Pattern: Independent reports have documented entrenched corruption in Williams County—from Williston City Hall to the courthouse—where justice is shaped by political alliances, not the rule of law.
6. Used political influence to allow a defendant accused of attempted murder to escape justice, disregarding both the seriousness of the crime and the safety of the community. This outcome reflects high-level interference within North Dakota’s political and judicial networks, where well-connected individuals are shielded from accountability.

Why This Matters to Every North Dakotan:
If judges can silence citizens, deny hearings, and manipulate outcomes to protect political allies, no one is safe from retaliation for speaking out or seeking justice. This sets a dangerous precedent that threatens:

• First Amendment petition rights
• Due process and equal protection
• Public confidence in the judiciary

Our Demands:

1. The North Dakota House of Representatives must open a formal impeachment inquiry into Judges Schmidt and Johnson.
2. The Legislature must hold public hearings, subpoena all relevant records, and make findings public.
3. If the allegations are proven, the judges must be removed from office to restore trust in our courts.

This is bigger than one case—it’s about protecting every citizen’s right to a fair hearing, free from political manipulation.

By signing this petition, you are sending a clear message to our lawmakers: We will not tolerate corruption in our courts. We demand accountability, transparency, and justice for the people of North Dakota.

 Call to Action:
📢 Sign and share this petition. Together, we can shine a light on judicial corruption and make sure the courthouse serves the people—not the powerful.