An Oregon District Attorney has dual functions, as prosecuting attorney and law officer of the state and counties. District Attorneys serve as the public prosecutor, represent the state in criminal proceedings, and initiate proceedings for punishable offenses. They enforce child support orders, represent the state in juvenile matters, and undertake inquests into the cause and manner of certain deaths. Though elected by county voters, the District Attorney is a state officer whose salary is paid by the state, sometimes receiving a supplementary stipend from the county. Salaries range from $131,000 to $148,000. In most cases, a District Attorney is prohibited from privately practicing law. District Attorneys must be U.S. citizens, registered voters, and residents of the state. They must have been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Oregon.Term: 4 years. The position is nonpartisan.
Contact Phone
5419415040
Campaign Phone (public)
541-941-5040
Town Where You Live
Medford
Your Experience/Qualifications
Attorney for over 23 years. Prosecuting Attorney, Senior County Counsel for Jackson County, Criminal Defense Attorney
County
Jackson County
Term
4 years
Term Expires
2029
The District Attorney’s Office is currently experiencing rapid turnover. While an unsurprising result of a change in leadership, it affects the Office’s ability to handle our county’s caseload. I will work to recruit and retain excellent attorneys and support staff.
The Das office is currently dismissing cases deemed low-level. This disempowers victims and robs them of access to justice. I am committed to prosecuting cases brought by law enforcement and pursuing justice for our citizens.
Measure 110 reform will require administrative experience and understanding of complicated, issues of crime and addiction. Over my 23-year career, I’ve built relationships with law enforcement and community partners will work collaboratively together.
For two decades, I have worked as a prosecutor, Jackson County Senior County Counsel, and as public defender. This wide-ranging experience gives me a unique understanding of how prosecution, defense, treatment, and mental health services work together to achieve the right outcomes for victims, offenders, and our community.
In addition to serving as both a criminal and administrative attorney, I’ve managed large offices and multi-million-dollar budgets during my tenure at OCLDA. I worked with lobbyists and legislators to staff both District Attorney and Public Defender positions, and I lobbied for Measure 110 reform. I am committed to justice and believe our legal system provides us with the tools to make this a safe and thriving area.
In February, the legislature recriminalized possession of hard drugs. This was a crucial step in restoring health and safety in our community. The new crime, which is a Misdemeanor, allows law enforcement officers to offer a choice: in-person treatment or jail time. This means we can reasonably anticipate an increase in arrests.
The state also provided funds to enhance treatment programs. Some of this money funds new treatment beds and some goes to SOU to increase workforce to provide adequate treatment.
I plan to maximize the positive impact of these new funds by implementing a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program to deter repeat offenders and offer treatment. With the right treatment we can prevent overcrowding in jail.
Contact Phone
(541)613-4327
Campaign Phone (public)
(541)613-4327
Town Where You Live
Medford, Oregon
Your Experience/Qualifications
Current Chief Deputy District Attorney for Jackson County; previously Senior Deputy District Attorney and Deputy District Attorney I & II in Jackson County; member of the Jackson County Sexual Assault Response Team. JD Lewis & Clark Law School; BA University of California, Santa Barbara.
County
Jackson
Term
4 years
Term Expires
2029
1. Fentanyl and other dangerous drugs have fueled addiction and overdose rates, increasing rates of death, homelessness, and crime. I will work with community partners to develop drug deflection programs through HB 4002 and hold drug dealers accountable.
2. Inadequate options for dangerous offenders due to limited jail space for criminals who repeatedly victimize members of our community, and limited resources for people who are ready to engage in treatment. I will continue to push for a new jail while also expanding treatment court opportunities in our County.
3. Domestic violence–Jackson County ranks near the top of the state for DV crimes per capita. As District Attorney, I will ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their action
Seeking justice is personal for me. My mother survived domestic violence at the hands of my father, so I understand how important it is for victims to know that someone is fighting for them. Because of my commitment to justice, I have dedicated my entire professional career to being a prosecutor.
I currently serve as the Chief Deputy District Attorney in Jackson County, which affords me valuable, first-hand experience. In stark contrast, my opponent’s most recent prosecutorial experience is from nearly two decades ago in another state.
I am the only candidate running who has experience as a prosecutor in the State of Oregon, let alone in Jackson County. If elected, I can hit the ground running on my first day as your District Attorney.
I am proud of the specialty courts our office and Circuit Court offer, but the truth is that there are not enough community resources to meet the needs of eligible or qualifying individuals who are ready to engage in meaningful treatment opportunities.
As your District Attorney, I will prioritize connecting low-risk, willing offenders with alternative and restorative justice programs to offer them a second chance. Additionally, I will explore working with the Jackson County Circuit Court on bringing a Veterans' Court to Jackson County.
Finally, I have developed meaningful partnerships with community leaders during my career at the DA's office, and I will continue to strengthen these connections for the sake of our community's safety.
