VOTE411 Voter Guide

Lack of access to comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment for those of limited financial means.

For all Courts to operate using similar procedures and technology. Also, defined work responsibilities for staff and accountability. Our office as early as the late 1990's switched to an electronic calendar system and eliminated the use of paper for phone messages. In the last 5 years we committed to a paperless file system that utilized a cloud based system for easy access to all files while in court or while working remotely.

NO

Since graduating from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1996, I have engaged in criminal and civil trial work with the law firm of Braje, Nelson & Janes. I was made partner in 2004. Since 2001, I have been a Felony Public Defender in Circuit Court responsible for the most serious of felony criminal matters. I also have been active in criminal litigation in federal court as well as having appeared before the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. I have also argued before the Indiana Supreme Court.

In my 27 years, I have also been extensively involved in civil litigation over a wide range of matters. In short, I have a diverse background of legal experience consistent with the needs for the position of Circuit Court Judge.

Obstacles to justice can occur in various forms and at varying levels within our system. Justice starts with ordinary citizens cooperating in the process. However barriers are created when citizens fear seeking justice, lack the knowledge of whether their rights or the law have been violated, or lack confidence that justice could be achieved. If cooperative citizens step up, those working within the system are the next level in securing justice. Integrity must be demonstrated by those taking the information and those processing the information. Should anyone within the legal system relinquish their integrity, justice becomes jeopardized. Finally, once a violation of the law enters the judicial arena, an obstacle to justice can occur if a court issues decisions that fail to coincide with the law, rules of evidence, or our Constitutions. Having a Judge with knowledge and experience is a vital factor in safeguarding justice and fairness.

Although some costs are not fully predictable, e.g., the number of jury trials that will occur or how many defendants will be psychologically evaluated for competency, there are expected costs for which one can plan. For example, equipment will typically have a life span. Predicting when equipment will need replaced and spreading those needs over time, saves from having to purchase new items all at once. Planning ahead and budgeting reasonably will cause less strain on administration costs. Also, seeking & maintaining grants for upgrading equipment or costs for staff in specific areas reduces costs. Circuit court currently has grants, and continued efforts to keep those in place will be important. When I served as the elected Prosecutor in Starke County for 6 years, I managed the office budget. In addition, I was awarded or maintained grants for: part time domestic violence deputy prosecutor, a victim advocate, a K-9 unit for police, and funding for community corrections.

No, I have not.

Attorney for 33 years. Education includes: BA from Hanover College (1988), Valparaiso University School of Law (1991), & admitted to Indiana Bar - 1991. For 28 yrs, I’ve prosecuted major crimes. I'm currently a Deputy Prosecutor in LP Circuit Court. Overall, I’ve prosecuted in: LaPorte Co. (16 yrs); St. Joseph Co. (4 yrs & Sex Crimes Unit Supervisor); and Starke Co. (8 yrs), wherein 6 yrs I was the elected Prosecuting Attorney. My career also includes working as Public Defense Attorney in LaPorte Co. (3.5 yrs) and as Civil Practice Attorney in LaPorte County (6.5 yrs). I’ve litigated ~150 jury trials successfully for prosecution. As Prosecutor, I managed employees & budgets, wrote grants & was awarded funding, & initiated formation of first Community Corrections in Starke Co.

The greatest obstacles to justice today are knowledge of your rights and the law, and financial status. We have safeguards in place through statute and court decisions to assure that people are protected at all points of a proceeding, but the average person isn’t aware of all of their rights. The financial aspect is one that has safeguards as well, but there is a stigma that you have to pay to get justice. This is simply not the case. Our county has a great Public Defender staff, but the stigma is still there that you must “pay to win”. Justice is available to all and should remain that way. Justice should not depend on how much money you have, and I will always operate in that manner. Justice for all, not matter the reason.

Costs can be reduced by moving cases along and hiring the right people. The longer cases stay on the docket the more they cost. That cost comes from taking time away from other cases and other programs that could benefit. Hiring the right people is just as important as any other function. Circuit Court has an incredible staff in place already, and that is why it is one of the most efficient Courts in the County, if not the most efficient. Of course Circuit Court administration is bigger because of all the areas that it oversees including the Juvenile Justice system. The responsibilities of the Circuit Court Judge are heavy when it comes to administration but it is a task that I would be very excited to take on. In the past I have reduced costs in my private practice by going completely paperless. The overhead costs of operating a law firm creep up on you and reducing whatever you can is also a balance for efficiency and effectiveness.

No I have not. I have always taken my oath and ethical obligation very seriously. As an attorney your reputation is everything. Our word is all we have sometimes. I have not and will not ever put that in jeopardy.

I attended Purdue University for my Bachelors degree and Valparaiso University for Law School. My first position out of law school was as a Deputy Prosecutor and was immediately placed into court handling misdemeanors and level 6 felonies. I handled numerous jury trials and was in court at least 3 days a week. I also did high felony jury trials during my time there. I then went to the private realm as a defense attorney and tried several high felony cases. I was a public defender in Circuit Court for 3 years as well. I am now the Chief Deputy Prosecutor and handle everything from murder cases to budget issues to staffing. This position has prepared me to lead if elected. My experience on both sides of the aisle allows me to understand both sides in a way that most wont.