These judges hear felony cases in their district. They oversee juvenile court. They hear civil cases involving divorce, wills, estates, guardianship, etc. They hold jury trials or decide the outcome themselves.Some circuit court judges serve multiple counties, and some stay within one county.
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Campaign Phone
5012709327
Contest
Circuit Judge 16th Judicial District - Division 4
I am seeking the position of Circuit Judge, Division 4. A Circuit Judge has jurisdiction over all cases filed in the Circuit Court, however in this District Divisions are separated by subject matter. Division 4 presently handles adult criminal felony cases, District Court criminal appeals, and Ex Parte Petitions for Orders of Protection. Responsibilities include handling a full court docket, including arraignment, motions and hearing dockets, bench trials, and jury trials for criminal cases, as well as reviewing Petitions for Ex Parte Orders to determine the necessity for a temporary order to be in place. Among other things the judge will manage hearings, instruct juries, make evidentiary findings, do legal research, and make final rulings.
I have practiced in Division 4 a great deal over the past 25+ years of practicing law. I have a decade of experience as a prosecuting attorney and city attorney, and have handled many cases as a criminal defense attorney in my private practice of over 20 years. I have extensive experience handling all of the most serious felonies that are filed in this court, from start to finish, including murder trials, with countless bench and jury trials. I was a circuit judge for two years in 2017b & 2018, over the civil division, where I presided over bench and jury trials, giving me the opportunity to make evidentiary and credibility findings, instruct juries, and make judgment following trials. These experiences make me ready for this job on day 1.
The first thing I will do is assess all responsibilities of this position, including case backlog and calendaring of cases. Efficiency, respect, access to justice, and swift justice, are all critical in this division to ensure safety of the community, as well as protecting the constitutional rights of all individuals. I believe in accountability for all involved in the justice system, evidence must be processed in a timely manner, lawyers should be ready for court, and there must be appropriate consequences for breaking the law.
