Education (degree/year/where)
Juris Doctor, 2012, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Occupation
Deputy Prosecutor
Experience and qualifications
I have been licensed to practice law for 14 years. I have served almost 10 years as a Deputy Prosecutor in Delaware County.
Community involvements
Vice Chair of the Open Door Health Services Board of Directors, Secretary of the Delaware County Prevention Council Board of Directors, Board Member for Delaware County Champions for Children Board, Board Member for Delaware County Prevent Child Abuse Board, Board Member for the Muncie Baseball and Softball Association
Incumbent?
No
Previously sought/Held offices
Center Township Advisory Board
I am running for this position because I believe our courts should reflect the values of fairness, integrity, and respect for every person who comes before them.
Throughout my legal career, I have had the privilege of representing individuals and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
I am running because I bring real, current courtroom experience. I am actively practicing law and regularly handling complex cases, which gives me a clear understanding of the issues facing our legal system today and the people it serves.
In this position, I hope to ensure that every person who enters the courtroom is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. I am committed to applying the law thoughtfully and impartially, while maintaining an efficient and well-managed courtroom. I also aim to promote public confidence in the judicial system by being accessible, prepared, and accountable.
In considering this question, it is important to recognize the ethical responsibility of a judicial candidate to avoid commenting on issues in a way that could suggest bias or predetermine outcomes. With that in mind, broadly speaking, courts must continually work to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. Key considerations include access to the legal system, the efficient administration of cases, and maintaining a courtroom environment where every person feels heard. It is also essential that judges remain impartial, apply the law consistently, and base decisions solely on the facts and the law.
I would treat each case on a case by case basis. When determining a sentence, a Judge may look to the nature of the crime, the character of the Defendant, among several other factors. As a judge, I would be bound within the confines of the law in imposing a sentence based upon statutory ranges. Treatment alternatives could be an option in sentencing as an alternative to incarceration and again, would be determined on a case by case basis.
I have devoted my legal career to both civil and criminal law. I served approximately four years as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Indiana, handling civil litigation at both the state and federal levels, including asset protection and bankruptcy matters.
Subsequently, I have served for nearly a decade as a Deputy Prosecutor, where I handle a wide range of criminal cases and regularly try complex matters. I also work within our problem-solving courts, including Drug Court and Veteran’s Court.
This experience has provided me with a well-rounded, practical understanding of both civil and criminal proceedings.
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Campaign Phone (Include area code)
765-273-8626
Education (degree/year/where)
J.D. (Law Degree)/1997/University of Wisconsin, Madison
Occupation
Juvenile Magistrate
Experience and qualifications
10+ years on the bench in the Delaware County Circuit Courts. Currently Juvenile Magistrate hearing juvenile criminal cases and Child in Need of Services cases. Previously 10 years as the Master Commissioner. Ruled on more than 1,700 criminal and civil cases. Former Attorney for the Department of Child Services. Former Public Defender.
Community involvements
Secretary of the Muncie Bar Association, Serve on State Judicial Probate Committee.
Incumbent?
No
Previously sought/Held offices
None
I’m running for Circuit Court 5 Judge because I believe I’m the most qualified candidate for the position. I have the experience, training, work ethic, and judgment needed to serve our community well. I have experience in civil and criminal law, and I have experience running a courtroom and deciding cases.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve served on the bench in Circuit Court 5 and am already familiar with the kinds of cases it hears. In fact, I've already presided over more than 1,700 cases. With my background and training, including graduation from the Indiana Judicial College, I’ll be ready to lead on day one.
I will address the cases before me swiftly and efficiently to ensure that everyone has access to justice. There are currently 800 outstanding criminal cases in Circuit Court 5, and I will work to bring this number down significantly.
My primary responsibility will be to those who come before the court. I will treat everyone with digniy and respect, and I will decide each case based solely on the facts and the law as it is written.
I believe that it is crucial to ensure that all residents of Delaware County have access to the courts. Everyone deserves fair and timely resolution to their cases.
Hiring an attorney can be expensive, and knowing your court options can be daunting. The Delaware County Free Legal Help Center is staffed by licensed attorneys two days a week who can help residents determine how to move forward with their legal issues. Advertising this resource can help to reduce barriers to justice.
There are a number of factors that go into sentencing decisions including the level of crime, the impact on the community, and extenuating factors.
Delaware County has Problem Solving Courts, which focus on the needs of specific populations such as the Veterans Court. This program focuses on intensive drug treatment coupled with weekly counseling, drug testing and support. It is very effective in helping those involved ot overcome their addictions and to reduce the liklihood of returning to criminal behavior. This improves community safety.
I am a proponent of utilizing this excellent resource when appropriate.
For the past 10+ years, I have been on the bench in the Circuit Courts, hearing criminal, family law and civil cases.
Criminal - I presided over hearings and reviewed PC affidavits. I now preside over all juvenile criminal cases. I tried my first criminal case in front of a jury while in law school, and then went on to become a Public Defender.
Family Law - I oversaw 4D Court (child support) and handled divorces and child custody cases. I currently hear all Child in Need of Services cases. Previously, I served as the Attorney for the Department of Child Services for 10 years.
Civil Litigation, I worked on a class action suit regarding retirement benefits in private practice and assisted in litigation work at the Univ of Michigan.
