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Current Employment
Magistrate for Allen Superior Court Criminal Division
Education
BS in Criminal Justice from IPFW, Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School
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Samuel Keirns for Superior Court Judge
In my current position of Magistrate for Allen Superior Court Criminal Division, I follow Rule 2.6 of the Indiana Criminal Rules of Procedure daily. If a defendant qualifies under this rule and is not a substantial flight risk or danger to themselves or others, that person is typically granted a release without having to post any money or bond. To determine flight risk and risk of safety, the defendant is given an individualized hearing utilizing two risk assessment tools and arguments from a defense attorney and prosecuting attorney. Stakeholders in the local criminal justice system meet quarterly to ensure Allen County’s bail process continues to be fair to defendants and achieves the goals of community safety and court appearance.
One of the biggest issues with problem solving courts is funding. I currently preside over the Allen County ReEntry Court Program. I am also part of the Allen County Drug Court team. Both are State-certified problem solving courts and they work. But budgets are tight everywhere right now. Problem solving courts must continue to gather evidence regarding successes and present that in a way to justify continued funding at the county and state level. I would also like to see problem solving courts partner with the Allen Superior Court Civil Division that handles mental health commitments. The civil division could continue mental health services for individuals after criminal court jurisdiction ends.
The most important qualifications for an Allen Superior Court Judge are extensive experience, proven good judgment, and a deep understanding of our criminal justice system. This is not a time for on-the-job training. This bench deals with the most serious offenders. I have spent over 28 years in the Allen County Criminal Justice System as a probation officer, prosecutor, and now magistrate for the past 15 years. I have presided over multiple jury trials including murder trials. I have a proven and respected track record on the bench. As a life-long resident of Allen County where my wife and I are raising our two children, I am committed to preserving due process and keeping our community safe. I will be ready to lead on day one.
Current Employment
Magistrate, Allen Circuit Court
Education
University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne)-BA 2004, University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne)-MSBA 2005, University of South Carolina School of Law-JD 2008
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Trevino for Judge
Under Criminal Rule 2.6, pretrial release decisions are guided by evidence-based risk assessments and other relevant facts. The goal is to balance personal liberty, community safety, and court appearance while avoiding unnecessary detention of low-risk, nonviolent defendants.
Allen County’s bond schedule provides a framework, but bail decisions must be supported by evidence and meet the legal standard, not a person’s ability to pay.
These decisions affect the community. A jail stay can cost someone a job, housing, or the ability to care for children, but credible evidence of danger must be taken seriously.
I take my oath seriously and will continue to follow the law, consider the evidence, and make decisions that protect public safety.
I preside over three problem-solving courts, and I have seen these programs change lives. More people are entering our court system with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges. These programs address the underlying causes of criminal behavior through structured supervision and support matched to each participant's risk and need.
The results reach beyond the courtroom. When a parent gets treatment and stability, children and families benefit, and the community sees less repeat offending and lower costs to taxpayers.
Any change should be grounded in research and evidence, as our courts' practices are today. I would like to see these services available to every qualified defendant who can benefit from them.
Four qualities matter most: knowledge, experience, work ethic, and temperament. A judge must be fair, impartial, and trustworthy, and the best judges embody all of them.
Experience on the bench matters, but it must be paired with a commitment to hard work and doing the right thing. The people of Allen County deserve a judge who shows up every day and lives out these qualities in everything he does. There are literally lives at stake. If you aren't willing to do the bare minimum in your job, you don't deserve to be judge.
Temperament is the one people feel first when they walk into a courtroom. Defendants, victims, families, and witnesses should be treated with dignity and respect. A good judge is humble, kind but firm, and always prepared.
