What do you perceive as the greatest obstacles to justice, if any?
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.
How could the costs of judicial administration be reduced? Can you give us a specific example of
how you have reduced costs in your law practice/court?
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.
Have you ever been disciplined by the bar association or the state commission on judicial
conduct?
No, I have not.
Describe your educational and work experiences that qualify you for this position.
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.