After a significant tenure as a district court judge in Allegan County, Judge William Baillargeon has announced his retirement, according to multiple sources. His retirement from the 57th District Court is set for Aug. 1, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer expected to name his successor, as reported by WOODTV.com. Baillargeon, who began his judicial career in 2007, established several specialty treatment courts that have garnered considerable recognition.
Throughout his career, Baillargeon founded a drug treatment court for adults, a sobriety treatment court, and a veterans' treatment court that serves three counties, all highlighted as effective initiatives that "cut incarceration costs, bring families together and offer people a path to recovery," according to a statement by the 57th District Court obtained by WOODTV.com. Judge Baillargeon's active involvement in the community also led him to local high schools to educate students about the judicial system and the consequences entwined with crime.
Appointed by then-Governor Jennifer Granholm, Baillargeon has, had a notable impact on Allegan County's judiciary during his nearly two-decade service. After a close re-election loss in 2008, he was once again appointed a year later and went on to win subsequent elections in 2012, 2018, and 2024, as detailed by MLive. His efforts to instill rehabilitative practices within the justice system also earned him respect among his peers and the communities he served.
Additionally, Baillargeon collaborated with Judge Joseph Skocelas on the Court-in-School Programs, which teaches high school students about the legal system. The judge, who announced his retirement during a Law Day Ceremony on May 1, will see his replacement serve until November 2026, taking up his remainder term through 2030, which will be up for election at that time, the Holland Sentinel reports.
