Backlog
How will you address the case backlog in your court to ensure timely resolution for all parties?
Since taking office in 2019 I have reduced the case backlog by well over a thousand cases. I continue working every day with my staff to ensure cases move through my court with efficiency and diligence. Every day I make sure that older cases do not continue floating along without a resolution in sight. I ensure that the state and defense have all discovery that is necessary and offers have been made so that cases do not linger forever on the docket. If a defendant is offered a dismissal by taking classes or community service, I make sure they stay on top of those requirements so their case can ultimately be dismissed and if that means coming to court every week, then that is what gets the cases moved.
Efficiency/accessibility
How will you ensure efficient and equitable resolution of matters that come before your court, and that all residents — regardless of their financial means — have meaningful access to legal resources?
The majority of misdemeanor defendants, I believe, will not be in a criminal court again. People should be afforded the opportunity to have a just resolution to their case that does not potentially ruin their futures. Every person that comes before me if given the opportunity to have their criminal case resolved with a dismissal will be given that opportunity. It is important that people learn a lesson from their mistakes, but also have the chance to not let that mistake ruin their future. Every person before me is treated equally, no matter their financial situation. No person is above any one else simply because of financial means and any person that needs access to legal resources will be afforded that opportunity to ensure justice.
