VOTE411 Voter Guide

I serve as Judge of Jackson County's 12th District Court and preside over its Domestic Violence Court. I graduated first in my class from Cooley Law School and earned an LL.M. in Criminal Advocacy. Before becoming a judge, I spent nearly a decade as a Special Victims prosecutor, handling thousands of cases involving some of the most serious crimes in our courts, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide. As an Assistant Attorney General, I handled federal civil rights litigation on behalf of MDOC employees and represented the People of Michigan at life-sentence parole hearings. I bring extensive trial, criminal, constitutional, and judicial experience to the bench and am committed to serving Jackson County for the long-term.

My objective is to continue building on the work I have begun in Jackson County’s Domestic Violence Court. I have substantially increased the number of participants given access to inpatient treatment and created direct referral programs with Home of New Vision and AWARE, connecting people directly with treatment and victim services. I will continue expanding these partnerships while maintaining a strong focus on accountability and protecting our community from serious and escalating violence. I work with law enforcement, treatment providers, victim advocates, and community organizations to address underlying issues, reduce repeat offenses, and protect victims. Early intervention and appropriate consequences are critical to breaking cycles of violence before they escalate and cause further harm. Public safety, accountability, fairness, and constitutional rights will remain at the center of my work as I continue strengthening the Domestic Violence Court and serving Jackson County.

The most significant issues facing our court include repeat domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health needs, limited access to treatment, and ensuring cases are resolved efficiently while protecting constitutional rights. Addressing these challenges requires both accountability and effective intervention. I will continue identifying high-risk behavior, imposing appropriate consequences, and prioritizing victim and community safety, particularly where violence is extreme or escalating. At the same time, I will expand connections with treatment providers and community organizations so appropriate defendants have meaningful access to services that address underlying issues contributing to repeated criminal behavior. I will also continue focusing on efficient case management and responsible use of court resources. A strong court must protect the community, uphold constitutional rights, hold offenders accountable, and work to reduce future involvement in the justice system.

My judicial philosophy is grounded in fairness, accountability, constitutional rights, and public safety. A judge must evaluate every case individually and impose consequences that are appropriate to the circumstances. Domestic violence often begins in young adulthood, and research demonstrates an important connection between patterns of domestic violence and the risk of serious or lethal violence. That makes intervention at the right time, with the right resources, essential. When treatment and intervention can address underlying issues and help prevent future violence, courts should make effective use of those tools. At the same time, I am willing to take immediate and decisive action when necessary to protect victims and the community, particularly in cases involving serious, escalating, or extreme violence. My role is to apply the law fairly, protect constitutional rights, hold offenders accountable, and use the authority of the court thoughtfully to help prevent future harm.

I earned my law degree from Thomas Cooley Law School in 1996, then began a 30-year legal career right here in Jackson County. Not only have I “handled” thousands of cases including domestic violence, assault, and homicide, I have actually tried hundreds of those cases to jury verdict, mostly right here in Jackson, but also statewide and nationally. I have also represented hundreds of clients in civil matters, family law, constitutional civil rights cases and probate issues, and cases in the court of appeals, both state and federal. Having litigated every type of criminal and civil matter these last 30 years that will come before the 12th District Court, I am more than ready to do the work of a district court judge, starting on Day One.

I’ll have three distinct objectives, all with the underlying goal of achieving justice. First, FAIR AND IMPARTIAL JUSTICE: I pledge to handle every case fairly and without biases favoring police, the defense, or the prosecution. To this end, I will participate in ongoing training involving implicit bias and legal standards. In addition, I will strive to use transparent decision-making practices. Second, EFFICIENT CASE MANAGEMENT: I will work to reduce backlogs and shorten case processing times. To achieve this objective, I will utilize cutting-edge case management technology and work with court staff to streamline procedures. Finally, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: I will strive to build trust and understanding between the court and the community. To achieve this, I will hold community forums to explain court processes and gather feedback. And I’ll partner with local organizations on outreach programs. To achieve just outcomes, the community must trust the court.

Priority issues facing the 12th District Court in Jackson County include access to justice, judicial independence, and public confidence in the courts. First, many individuals face real obstacles in obtaining legal representation and effectively navigating court services. Expanded legal aid programs and streamlined court procedures would promote a justice system that is more accessible, comprehensible, and responsive to the needs of the public. Second, judicial independence is fundamental to preserving the rule of law and ensuring fair, neutral adjudication. Judges must avoid improper relationships with all parties involved as well as circumstances that could reasonably create an appearance of impropriety. Finally, rebuilding public confidence in the court involves enhanced transparency in court processes and decisions, together with community outreach designed to improve understanding of the judiciary’s role and responsibilities.

My judicial philosophy includes advocating for the protection of personal freedoms, particularly by championing our state and federal Constitutions as a safeguard against arbitrary government overreach. I also believe that every individual should be treated with respect and receive the full measure of justice and protection to which they are entitled under our Constitution. Finally, a judge must demonstrate respect for the office and for the public that elected them, including responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. If elected, I will not take full-time pay for part-time work. I pledge to put in a full day’s work on the job, starting early and staying all day, with no luxury two-hour lunches.