The NC District Court hears civil cases involving less than $25,000 and criminal misdemeanors. District Court also oversees juvenile court and the magistrates, which handle things like small claims and evictions. Judges are elected for 4 year terms. There are 282 judges in 41 districts across the state, most of them covering either one or two counties. Legislation in 2023 numerically realigned/renumbered the District Court and other court districts to align with the Prosecutorial districts.
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Position/philosophy statement
My philosophy is to follow the law but have compassion and understanding for the person, facts and circumstances before me. It is important to listen to all sides and making decisions based on what I hear and observe, and to be fair.
Current Occupation
District Court Judge
Age (optional)
58
Campaign Phone
9196952073
I have been a District Court Judge since 2011, having been elected in 2010. I have worked in every courtroom in the courthouse, both civil and criminal. I am a juvenile-certified district court judge certified by AOC. I preside over Durham County's Mental Health Court. Prior to becoming a judge, I was an Assistant District Attorney for 13 years, a Judicial Clerk in the NC Court of Appeals for 3 years, an instructor in Court Procedure, Constitutional Law, Ethics, and Criminal Law at Durham Technical Community College in the Criminal Justice Program and I worked for Carolina Legal Assistance drafting pleadings regarding mental health issues. I have both the professional and personal skills needed for this office.
Although this is a partisan judicial position, I took an oath to be fair and to follow the law. I do my job and do not allow outside influences political or otherwise to influence or sway me from doing what is fair and just.
As I previously noted, I am a juvenile-certified District Court Judge, certified by the Administrative Office of the Courts. I have specialized training in trauma focused matters, mental health, ACES, substance abuse, and all matters pertaining to youth. The lived experiences and professional training include my fifteen years on the bench and over thirty years as an attorney especially my passion for protecting children are all experiences I bring to the cases that come before me.
I am a Durham native and a proud graduate of Northern High School. I am very passionate about what I do and about helping the citizens of Durham and especially the children of Durham. I have a deep appreciation for Durham's uniqueness and diversity. I am invested in our community because this is my hometown, and I am interested in its past, present and future progress. I am committed to Durham, especially our courts being a place that we can all be proud of and know that we have judges that are fair and respectful to those who come into the courtroom. Being a judge is not a nine-to-five job, you must have a passion for this position. On any given day, we are called to work in multiple courtrooms and do multiple tasks all in the name of doing the people's work. I am up for this, and I have been doing this for many years and continue to be willing to serve. For all these reasons, I am the best candidate. I ask for your vote and for your support.
