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
5415749043
Campaign Phone (public)
5415749043
Town Where You Live
Newport
Your Experience/Qualifications
35 years of practicing criminal law
County
OR
I have been practicing criminal defense law, primarily, as well as a civil practice for over 35 years. I have worked on everything from a murder trial down to a matter concerning theft of a donut. I have seen multiple administrations come and go in this county at our District Attorney's Office and over the last eight (8) years there has been a down hill journey of dysfunction. There must be effective communication, ethics, professionalism and dedication to the rule of law and bringing justice where injustice exists. I am an effective communicator, litigator, am empathetic, and fair: just what WE all need in our office of District Attorney.
I am supportive of Senate Bill 1008. Candidly, it is a change that is not only needed for juveniles, but it is needed overall on the Measure 11 statute/law. My belief is that putting everyone into the same mold without any ability by the Court to discern an individual's background, criminal history, factors involved in a case, and the individual's own story of how and why they face the court/justice system is cookie cutter justice to me.
First, everyone is a human being and worthy of consideration in bettering their life's circumstances. Too often, those charged with crimes are labeled, "those people:" Those people are often our neighbors and community members. Taking time to evaluate both sides: victim and defendant is critical to a fair and just outcome. The scales of justice are balanced and so should the decision to prosecute. Reformation and supportive services often offer better outcomes than jail.
Town Where You Live
Toledo
Your Experience/Qualifications
Chief Deputy District Attorney, Lincoln County; Deputy District Attorney, Lane County; Deputy District Attorney, Coos County
County
Lincoln
I graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law with a J.D. and certificate in criminal law. While attending law school, I worked for the Washington County DA's Office as a law clerk. Since then, I have been employed as a deputy district attorney in Coos, Lane and Lincoln County. Over the course of my career, I have prosecuted cases of rape, sexual assault, child physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, drug delivery, property offenses, elder abuse and homicide. I have served as a member of the elder abuse multidisciplinary committee in Coos, Lane and Lincoln County. I currently prosecute all major crimes in adult and juvenile court. I also currently chair the Lincoln County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).
The 2020 juvenile minimum sentencing reforms demonstrate Oregon’s dedication to safeguarding juvenile offenders by acknowledging the fundamental differences between children and adults within our justice system. The juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation not punishment. As the only juvenile prosecutor in Lincoln County, I have repeatedly applied these important principles to seek accountability while also ensuring that cases are resolved with the youth’s best interest in mind.
My experience as a prosecutor has taught me that justice is not one size fits all. Justice requires a thoughtful review and a decisive approach to each set of facts. Justice may come in the form of a dismissal, a diversion, participation in a treatment court, probation or a prison sentence. Throughout the entirety of my career as a prosecutor, I have sought to utilize my experience, judgment, and integrity to seek fair and equitable resolutions in each and every case.
