Justice of the PeaceEvery county has justice courts presided over by a Justice of the Peace. Each court has one justice of the peace and one constable. Justice courts primarily deal in small claims cases for $10,000 or less. They handle misdemeanor crimes, protective orders, evictions, traffic infractions (including DUIs), and small-dollar civil matters, such as shoplifting and writing bad checks. The number of justices in a county depends on the population. Justices do not need to be attorneys or have any specific education. 4-year term.Why you should care:Due to the nature of the offenses they adjudicate, many people will have some interaction with one of their county justices of the peace. Justice courts also hear many non-criminal civil disputes, often without attorneys; in these cases, the justice of the peace will interact directly with residents.For additional information:https://www.azcourts.gov/AZ-Courts/Justice-Courts
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Public Policy Priorities
Strong Commitment to the Community
Qualifications and Experience
With 20 years of experience as Constable for the Manistee Justice Court and service as a Hearing Officer for small claims and traffic matters, I have developed extensive knowledge of court operations and public service. I have also successfully owned and managed a licensed electrical business for over 30 years. My crisis intervention training enables me to remain calm under pressure and effectively resolve emotional and challenging situations
Memberships & Affiliations
National Constable and Marshalls Association (Chairman), Knights of Columbus, Former board Member for Arizona Constables Association
Endorsements
Former County Supervisor Clint Hickman, State Senator Kevin Payne, Retired JP Quentin Tolby, Retired Prosecutor Nancy Khiel, Retired Constable Phil Hazlett, Manistee Constable April Flores
Community Service
Work with the Knights of Columbus and our church
I have dedicated 20+ years of service to the Manistee Justice Court as Constable, gaining experience in the judicial system, court procedures, and courtroom operations. I served as a Hearing Officer for small claims and traffic cases, providing me firsthand experience in applying the law fairly and impartially. In addition to my public service, I have successfully owned and operated a business in the Glendale /Peoria area for more than 30 years. This experience has given me a strong understanding of contract law, financial management, business operations, and leadership. My professional training includes Writs of Restitution (evictions), Orders of Protection, summonses, subpoenas, and civil warrants, these are the types of cases that come before a Justice of the Peace. I am certified to instruct civil law, civil process procedures, eviction law, and de-escalation techniques. This combination of experiences has prepared me to make informed, fair, and impartial decisions.
In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges facing the court is the extremely large caseload. If elected, I would work to identify ways to improve efficiency while ensuring every case receives the attention it deserves. When the county officials reviews and adjusts the Justice Precinct boundaries, I would like to work with the officials to help balance caseloads more evenly among the Justice Courts. Additionally, I would collaborate with stakeholders to explore opportunities for resolving appropriate matters before they reach the court, thereby reducing unnecessary case volume and improving access to justice for everyone involved
As a Justice of the Peace, I would evaluate each case on its individual merits while ensuring that any sentence is fair, lawful, and consistent with the facts presented. I would consider the nature and severity of the offense, the circumstances that led to the violation, the defendant's age and background, their intent and mindset at the time of the offense, and whether they have accepted responsibility and shown genuine remorse.
I would also take into account the defendant's prior history, the impact of the offense on any victims and the community, and any factors that may indicate a likelihood of rehabilitation. My goal would be to balance accountability with fairness, imposing sentences that protect the public, uphold the law, and encourage positive outcomes whenever appropriate.
Every person who comes before the court deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and impartiality, and I would strive to ensure that justice is administered consistently and without bias.
