Keith Sutherland, the 12th Circuit presiding judge, announced this week he will retire once his current term expires next year. Sutherland has served as the presiding judge since 2000 when he won his first six-year term. His second term will expire in December 2012. "I will miss it," Sutherland said. "Some things I won't miss. I won't miss leaving before daylight to go to Mexico and coming back in the dark and dodging deer on the highway in October." Sutherland said he made up his mind a couple of years ago to retire at the conclusion of his current term. He wanted to announce his retirement now so that those interested in filing for the seat can start making preparations for next year's election campaign. The 12th Circuit covers Warren, Montgomery and Audrain counties. As part of his duties, he hears cases of all types in all three counties and is responsible for setting the budget and overseeing the entire circuit's judicial proceedings. The 66-year-old Sutherland said he didn't give much thought to seeking re-election and continuing to work until he reached the state-mandated retirement age for judges. Had he done so, the governor would then have appointed a replacement to fill out the remaining years of his term. State law requires judges to retire at age 70. "I couldn't even serve half a term," Sutherland said. "That would leave it up to the governor to appoint a replacement. It should be up to the (voters)." Sutherland's lengthy legal career includes 22 years spent as an associate circuit judge and four years as the county prosecutor. He also previously operated his own law practice. "I have enjoyed it," Sutherland said. "I hope I have a done a job satisfactory to the people of the circuit. I think I have. I certainly tried to. It will be nice to step down." So far only Warren County Associate Judge Wes Dalton, who ironically replaced Sutherland in his former position, has announced his intent to run for presiding judge. The position is also open to candidates residing in Montgomery and Audrain counties. The filing period for next year's primary election runs from Feb. 28 to March 27.