A trial attorney for almost 20 years, I’m Board Certified in Criminal Law and have tried over 100 felony jury trials. I regularly teach nationally & statewide on trial skills, ethics and leadership.
Equal access to justice is paramount to a successful legal system. As Judge, I will remove administrative barriers, if any, to ensure each litigant is given equal opportunity to appear and participate. Equally important, I will listen first, reserving judgment until all arguments have been made. Finally, I will rule quickly but thoughtfully, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Having served in my career as both prosecutor and defense attorney, I understand that cases are more than cause numbers and a name: they are comprised of victims and persons accused, along with their families and community members affected by the crime. Seeing firsthand the consequences of a Judge’s decision on each party gives perspective, which leads to a respect and appreciation for fairness.
“Justice delayed is justice denied” is truth. There is an overarching need to hasten the disposition of a case in order to avoid delays that can lead to injustice. However, efficiency helps a court avoid cutting corners or stomping on due process in pursuit of that quick resolution. I will create a streamlined, efficient docket and have proven I’ll work very hard, something you should require.
I don’t think focus should be on reducing detention/incarceration, it should be on the law which provides a roadmap for bond/bail eligibility and application. There should, however, be an intentional effort to reduce reoffending/recidivism, as this benefits the whole community. This is done through careful consideration of each case and addressing each offender as a unique individual.
I graduated from UT Law with honors. I've been a prosecutor for the past 13 years. This includes being Chief of the Special Victims unit, handling the toughest cases: child abuse and sexual assaults.
Justice is intended for all, not for a few. Being firm, fair, and faithful to the constitution is key. Apply the law as written and intended, not based on personal opinion or feeling. That is the foundation that ensures justice is equally accessible to all. A judge should demonstrate understanding for the complexities of life and the fact that it isn't a cause number before them, but real people.
Being a prosecutor and chief, I have had to evaluate disputes between those I supervise and attorneys on the other side. I've always been know to hear all sides of an issue and resolve conflicting interests based on the law and the evidence - not on personal feelings or desires. As an attorney I believe that everyone I've worked with, or against, knows I can be trusted to resolve conflict fairly.
Due process is essential, and should take priority over efficiency. That said, keeping timely court settings, checking in regularly with the parties, and not allowing cases to linger on the docket without resolution are essential. Nobody should have their rights violated through the court process, but failing to have timely justice is not an acceptable outcome either.
I fully support alternative court processes such as: mental health court, veteran's court, or DWI/Drug Court. Some offenders need to be removed from society as a whole for safety. Many offenders however, are capable of being rehabilitated through court ordered programs and frequent monitoring. Appropriate guardrails should exist to prevent danger to the community during that process though.
