Ensuring an efficient handling of misdemeanor cases is important.  I plan to do that by helping to integrate modern technology where it can assist, especially when it comes to speeding up the processing of cases. I’m interested in reducing the wait times for not only the accused and the victims, but also the law enforcement officers that are often required to attend court on scheduled days off. 

I will also promote mediation to help resolve cases when possible, reducing the burden on the court. With better communication between the defense, prosecution, and the court, we can collectively expedite proceedings.

Another way we can assist with this is to educate our community on legal processes and encourage early resolutions to prevent unnecessary appearances. It’s also important to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that cases are thoroughly prepared before appearing in court. 

It’s important to continually assess the efficacy of the court’s methods and procedures and make necessary adjustments to improve the legal system.  By implementing these strategies, we can expedite cases, reducing backlogs and ensure that justice is served swiftly for the residents of Kanawha County.

It will be important to stay up-to-date on legal knowledge and related training made available to the court.

Treating each individual within the courtroom with the same level of respect to ensure impartiality is important to me. 

I will have no problem recusing myself from cases when there is a personal or professional conflict of interest.

I plan to maintain transparency by conducting proceedings in an open courtroom, allowing interested parties to observe the process.

I will strive for consistency across similar cases, ensuring justice is applied equally regardless of background, socioeconomic status or personal beliefs.

Addressing cases involving domestic violence is something that needs to happen promptly. Protecting vulnerable members of our community is very important to me. I would do my best to create a safe and supportive environment for victims.

Magistrates should cooperate with local support organizations to provide victims with access to counseling, legal aid, and other necessary resources. Together with local law enforcement, we can ensure that protective orders are handled with the urgency and sensitivity they deserve.

I will make sure individuals are aware of and fully understand their Miranda Rights and their right to legal representation. By adhering to the rules and principles of the court, I am committed to conducting fair and lawful preliminary examinations of felony cases, respecting the rights of all individuals involved in the process.

Transparency and accessibility for residents with civil disputes is essential. I will provide clear information about the dispute process including how to file and estimated timelines.

Providing translations for non-English speaking residents will guarantee that language barriers do not impede access to justice or lead to confusion.

Like with many aspects of the court, promoting the use of alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation can often offer quicker result.

The court should maintain open and regular communication with law enforcement to stay informed about ongoing investigations and protect the rights of individuals.

Establish clear and strict criteria for issuing arrest and search warrants, requiring law enforcement to provide compelling evidence of probable cause before any warrant is granted.

I will work diligently to ensure responsible collaboration with law enforcement agencies, balancing the need for law enforcement with the protection of the rights of all residents of Kanawha County.