Incumbent
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Education
I graduated Cum Laude from Stetson University College of Law in May of 2015 with my Juris Doctor. Prior to that, I attended The University of Florida and received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
For more than ten years, I have dedicated my legal career to serving the people of the Fifth Circuit. I have served as both a prosecutor and a public defender, handling cases from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies, including cases in which the State sought the death penalty. Today, I serve as the Chief Assistant Public Defender in Citrus County, where I supervise six attorneys and six support staff while maintaining my own case docket. My courtroom experience, leadership, and perspective from both sides of the justice system have prepared me to serve as a Circuit Judge who is fair, hardworking, prepared, and committed to applying the law faithfully and impartially.
Strongly disagree
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Agree
Strongly agree
Access to legal representation is an important part of a fair justice system. Florida law provides for counsel in certain matters, particularly where required by the Constitution, and resources such as public defenders, legal aid organizations, and pro bono attorneys help meet that need. However, access to representation can still vary depending on the type of case, available resources, and an individual's circumstances, leaving some people to represent themselves. A judge's role is not to make policy, but to ensure every person is treated fairly and respectfully, the law is applied equally, and the judicial process remains fair and trustworthy.
My philosophy of the judicial role is that a judge's duty is to faithfully apply the law as written, not to make law or allow personal beliefs to influence the outcome of a case. Every person deserves to be heard, treated with dignity and respect, and to know the decision was based on the facts and the law. The qualities most important to the role are integrity, impartiality, preparation, patience, and an even temperament. The greatest challenge is remaining faithful to the law, even when the result is difficult or unpopular, because public confidence in the judiciary depends on judges who are independent, fair, and committed to the rule of law.
I grew up in Lake County and chose to return to the Fifth Judicial Circuit after law school because this is the community I wanted to serve. I have built both my career and my family here. My husband owns his own law practice, and together we are raising our son in Citrus County. Throughout my career, I have earned a reputation for being exceptionally well prepared, thoughtful, hardworking, and someone who approaches every case with careful legal analysis while treating everyone with professionalism and respect. If elected, I will bring that same work ethic, preparation, and commitment to fairness to the bench. It would be an honor to continue serving the people of the Fifth Judicial Circuit as Circuit Judge.
Incumbent
N
Education
University of Florida 2000, Juris Doctorate; University of Central Florida 1993, Bachelor of Arts
Over my twenty-six-year legal career, I have gained broad experience in public service, private practice, courtroom advocacy, leadership, and client-focused representation. During sixteen years with the State Attorney’s Office, I prosecuted diverse criminal cases, including SVU matters involving sex crimes, crimes against children, and internet crimes against children. I've mentored new attorneys, strengthening my appreciation for mentorship, judgment, and confidence-building in law practice.
In private practice, I handled criminal defense, civil, dependency, and family law matters and ran my own firm, supervising an attorney and support staff. That experience strengthened my understanding of practical demands, including time management.
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Agree
Strongly agree
I believe that Florida provides meaningful access to legal representation, but many Floridians would likely say that the cost of legal services still makes that access difficult or out of reach. Florida’s justice system offers meaningful access to legal representation through legal aid programs, pro bono services, and public resources that help low-income and vulnerable residents navigate the courts. These services address many civil matters and aim to ensure that people with limited means can obtain competent legal guidance when needed.
I believe a judge’s role is to faithfully interpret and apply the law, guided by the Constitution, statutes, and precedent, while remaining fair and impartial. Judges should not legislate from the bench. This role demands loyalty to the law and a commitment to justice in every case. Above all, a judge should act with integrity, patience, and respect for everyone who appears in court. A judge must treat all parties equally, free from bias or outside influence, and understand the impact of each ruling while remaining objective. Timely justice is important, but it must never come at the expense of thorough, law-based decision-making.
I am a sixth-generation Floridian and first-generation college graduate. I worked my way through the University of Central Florida, earning my bachelor’s degree in 1993, and received my Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida in 2000. I moved to the Fifth Circuit in 1999 and have continued to call it home. I am also a parent of two Citrus High School graduates, from the classes of 2020 and 2022. My faith, family, and commitment to serving my community have guided a career devoted to the people of Florida.
As the only candidate with experience beyond criminal law, I bring the perspective gained from handling a broad range of cases.
