Judge Van Amburg has served as an Associate Circuit Judge for Platte County since 1993, where he has handled a variety of civil and criminal cases and hearings. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Van Amberg was an assistant prosecuting attorney for Platte County from 1987 to 1993, and was in private practice in Platte City and Weston from 1982 to 1993.
Before entering law school, he was a deputy juvenile officer in Platte County.
Judge Van Amburg earned his law degree from Washburn University, his master’s degree in counseling and guidance from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and his undergraduate degree from William Jewell College. He was a member of the West Platte R-II Board of Education, and has served as a coach in several area youth sports leagues.
“During his 20 years on the bench, Judge Van Amburg has demonstrated he is a capable jurist,” Gov. Nixon said. “I am pleased to elevate him to the position of Circuit Judge, and I am confident he will continue his outstanding record of serving the citizens of Platte County.”
Judge Van Amburg was one of three nominees for this judgeship submitted to Gov. Nixon by the Sixth Circuit Judicial Commission under the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan.