}. In my prior career as a clinical social worker, I supported 100s of struggling families; at Legal Services, I assisted over 1,000 vulnerable, under-resourced Washtenaw County residents, specializing in family law issues. Ballot measures, Who represents me? If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. I have represented many survivors of sexual assault, including those victimized by Larry Nassar and MSU. 3. Richelew: Our courts should work effectively for every single one of us. I bring expertise in the diverse areas of law decided by the Circuit Court and understanding in how the civil, criminal, business, family, juvenile, and probate dockets are all intertwined. Continue to improve transparency and accountability. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. Feaster: As a Washtenaw County Public Defender and the Founder of T.W. All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except if a reply exceeded character limitations. In deciding a motion, you conduct legal research into case law to determine binding precedent that controls and the applicable statutes and court rules. Expungement and Road to Restoration Volunteer. For more information about me, please go to www.marlaforjudge.org. Learn more Explore the Data 2008 Nov 4 :: General Election :: Appellate Court Judge Partial Term :: Judicial District 3. . About the Honorable Julia B. Owdziej. The candidates running for the six-year judicial position are Marla Linderman Richelew and Arianne Elizabeth Slay. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. /. Once a trial on a particular case begins, factors such as the elements of the crime, credibility of witnesses and evaluating bias come into play. I will make the courtroom process less stressful, knowing that the people who appear before me may be going through trauma. My commitment to public service is a strong asset that I will bring to the bench. State executives | Frequent writer and speaker on vital legal issues. He's seen here being escorted into the the Colleton County . Van den Bergh: I believe that the U.S. Constitution is a living document and I believe in equal access to justice. Slay: The biggest goal we can achieve is to build trust in a broken system. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. This county is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. I created the City of Flints Blight Court and served as its Judge. My litigation background has also taught me that needlessly prolonged litigation is not an ideal way to solve problems. By increasing restorative practices in both the criminal and civil justice systems, I hope to shift the courts in Washtenaw County from a punitive focus to one of community healing and accountability. I believe in rehabilitation, restoration, and protection, and that resolutions that incorporate these principles provide for better dispositions over time. View the list of candidates that will be on your ballot. | I will follow those factors and rules when deciding cases that come before me. In general, the circuit court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $25,000 and all felony criminal cases. I believe that people have more in common than we sometimes realize. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered an endorsement. Specialty courts treat the person as a whole with therapy, treatment, and utilize community resources, and are an efficient and effective alternative to incarceration. | The Defendant has the constitutional right to have a criminal matter decided by a Jury. She was appointed by the Supreme Court to be the Chief Judge of the Washtenaw County Trial Court effective January 1, 2019. Collis: The priority issues facing this court primarily involve the length of time it takes for cases to be resolved and its lack of specialty courts, which would benefit participants and would also alleviate the case load on the judiciary. First time offenders of all types come through the district court; many of which start with misdemeanor offenses or low-level felonies. This county is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. Loading. The law should not act in a vacuum without consideration for equity and compassion, even when the law requires punishment. Ballot measures, Who represents me? I would work to avoid bias and ensure equity in my sentencing. The State via AP, Pool. I have tried over 100 cases to verdict before juries, judges, and arbitrators. A candidate must be a qualified elector, a resident of the judicial circuit, a lawyer who has been licensed to practice law for at least five years, and under 70 years of age. Expertise in voting rights as a lawyer and election worker. I have published numerous articles, on first offenders and expungement, immigrant rights, and seeking damages in family law cases. It is one of 105 district courts in Michigan. A Judges orders can significantly impact a persons life, and so the Judge needs to be cognizant and empathetic in issuing those orders. Vote the non-partisan ballot and elect Nick Roumel for Judge. I graduated from Northern Michigan University and MSU College of Law. 1.0 1.1 Michigan Courts, "Washtenaw County," accessed July 11, 2014; I will also recognize that we are all human beings and sometimes we don't make the best choices, sometimes people with good intentions make bad choices and I will recognize that and take that into account when deciding cases. [1], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. U.S. President | Reiser: While I respect precedent and will look to statutes and case law for guidance, I am not a strict constructionist. I am also admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States. Ballotpedia includes comprehensive election information for the largest 100 cities by population, as well as all state legislative, statewide, and congressional races across the nation. However, I am most proud of my eight years at Legal Services where I was able to offer holistic support services to clients struggling with emergency legal issues. Because when people have a problem, they need a voice. What in your education and experience makes you the best qualified candidate for this position? My sentencing will strike a balance between punishment and rehabilitation. background: grey; During my time spent assigned to District Court, 14A-2 was where I spent the majority of my time. By David Fair. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. The people of Washtenaw County are served by the Michigan Third District Court of Appeals, a circuit court, district court, and probate court. } If you are a user of our Sample Ballot, and you are experiencing problems using it or notice any accuracy issue of any kind at all, it would be a huge help to our future readers and users if you would send us a note telling us about the problem. Roumel: Having practiced 36 years, I am the only candidate with extensive experience in family, civil, and criminal law, and the only one to have conducted civil and criminal jury trials. Biography. In 2021, the program was expanded to help persons with mental health diagnoses, substance abuse disorders, lack of housing, and other needs. Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues listed below. Each candidate was given a list of questions relevant to the office for which they are campaigning. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. border: none !important; The Washtenaw County Democratic Party is hosting an online panel for candidates for the non-partisan and currently vacant District Court position in District 14A, which includes the Manchester area and will appear on Manchester area general election ballots in November. My greatest pride is giving these victims a voice. display: block; } They have the right to an attorney, and the right to remain silent. I have won appeals in pregnancy and disability discrimination, employment retaliation, unemployment compensation, landlord-tenant, criminal defense, and police misconduct. Click on your candidates to read their biography, view past election results, read their campaign themes and responses to our candidate survey, and more. Co-Chair of JFS Washtenaw Integrated Senior Experience (WISE). @media screen and (min-width: 550px) { Securing 40,729 votes during the Nov. 8 general election, Barr defeated fellow Washtenaw County attorney Fawn Armstrong, who garnered 29,852 votes. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. By Bill Chappell , Victoria Hansen. Slay defeated Marla Linderman Richelew of Ann Arbor. As a judge, I will work hard to level the playing field for all litigants. In a process run by a county clerk, the candidates choose slips of paper from a box that say either "elected" or "not elected".[2]. For example, when determining a custody case, there are 12 factors that a judge must consider to make sure that the finding is in the childs best interest. I will lend my voice and experience to these innovation efforts. The Judge in this Court needs to have insight and understanding into these issues, because everything the Court orders has a huge impact on peoples daily lives: bonds, drug tests or tethers, court fees and fines. The note below discusses how we do that, and how you can help. Past President of Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and Washtenaw (WLAM). Ballotpedia regularly tests our sample ballot's accuracy by looking up addresses on both it and the official sample ballot and comparing the lookup results from both tools. Feaster: My main goal is to reduce the publics reliance on the criminal court system, by reducing recidivism. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Real people with real issues come to court and I will listen to you and hear your voices. This sample ballot tool includes: All candidates in every upcoming election occurring within the 100 most-populated cities in the U.S., plus all federal and statewide elections, including ballot measures, nationwide. When you come to my courtroom, youll feel welcome, knowing that I will listen attentively to all your concerns. Slay is currently a Deputy Ann Arbor City Attorney. Based on my experience working with domestic violence and sexual assault victims, I will also be able to recognize that some cases will not be appropriate for mediation due to underlying power and control issues. WEMU offered the opportunity for any candidate appearing on a ballot in Washtenaw County in the 2018 general election to submit a campaign message directly to our audience. Armstrong: I plan to enact criminal justice reform measures focusing on rehabilitation over incarceration and individualized treatment to reach the core issue or trauma in order to reduce recidivism. partnered with the League of Women Voters. In addition, my staff will be trauma informed and trained. To do this, I would utilize my experience leading community organizations to forge partnerships with local and state stakeholders to help develop a plan of action to make offenders in my court less likely to return to crime and more likely to evolve into productive members of society. Ive rolled up my sleeves on expungement and road to restoration efforts. I am the only candidate that grew up and attended the school system within the 14A2 District Court-- I attended Perry School, Fletcher Elementary, West Middle School and Ypsilanti High School. [4], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. There is also bias with regards to sentencing. Roumel: We cannot ignore what is happening nationally. She is licensed in Michigan and the Eastern District of Michigan. U.S. Congress | How to vote | Once the root cause is addressed, the person is much less likely to reoffend. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for a necessary cut if a reply exceeded character limitations. There is nothing more stressful than a judge deciding when, where, and under what circumstances you will see your children. The new judge will be assigned the family court docket during the six-year term in office. From a personal and practical standpoint, I will strive to be fair with regards to sentencing as the punishment must fit the crime while being consistent and sentencing without bias. Do they reside with the victim, and if so, what changes (if any) need to be made to keep the victim safe? My extensive family court expertise in high-conflict cases--particularly those involving domestic violence, addiction, and mental health elements--has earned me more judicial endorsements than any other candidate. Ann Arbors new design for State Street scraps plan for protected bikeway, 2 vying for new Michigan House seat from Ann Arbor to Plymouth, 5th Ward Ann Arbor council candidates discuss density, taxes, 5 things to know about Ann Arbors climate-action tax proposal. border-radius: 6px; Impartiality, fairness and compassion will be guiding principles in every decision I make. "Washtenaw County judge announces early retirement," May 1, 2014; SBM Diversity Advisor. In order to do so, we need data on what goes on in the system, and transparency and accountability about this data to the public. Judge Julia B. Owdziej was appointed Probate Judge on June 3, 2014 and was elected by the Washtenaw County voters in November of 2014 and 2020. The candidates running for the. Not only should our Constitution be interpreted in a manner that adapts to cultural changes, but judges are instrumental in ensuring equal access to our justice system. I will expand the use of Specialty Court programs that focus on rehabilitation, community support and reduction of recidivism. Given the criminal focus of the open seat on the Circuit Court, my experience as a leader in criminal justice reform will make me best-equipped to hit the ground running. My record of community service is second to none. It is important to determine credibility of witnesses and evidence, to determine if any evidence presented has been corroborated, and to determine how that evidence fits the facts of the case and the elements by your common sense. I started our Countys first ever Criminal Diversion Program, moving people out of the system by helping them address the root causes of justice involvement. This includes interpreting the Constitution as it was intended. Great judges must have breadth and depth of experience. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. I am counsel for many labor unions, from skilled trades to professional educators. As to matters of fact, I will diligently hear and review all admissible information and reserve judgment according to the standards set forth in the law. Here is how each candidate responded to the questions. Washtenaw County, Michigan (Judicial) Ballotpedia provides comprehensive coverage of the 100 largest cities in America by population as well as mayoral, city council, and district attorney election coverage in state capitals outside of the 100 largest cities. It is vitally important that the public have trust and respect for the judicial system and that the law is applied equally. In the race for a six-year term in 14-A District Court, Karl Barr of Ann Arbor garnered nearly 58-percent voter support to win a seat on the bench. Additionally, I have quasi-judicial experience. Judge Profiles Trial Court judges are elected for terms of six years in non-partisan elections. I practiced in two civil law firms before becoming an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Washtenaw County, where I have been for almost ten years. Prior to that role, she prosecuted domestic violence cases in the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office. A searchable database of historical election information, all from official source documents. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. To learn more about judicial selection in Michigan, click here. Justice delayed by COVID is still justice denied. The common thread in these cases is that they require a judge who can compassionately manage families and individuals in crisis while still remaining objective and impartial. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It is important to remember, however, that every person involved in these cases needs support. Skip to Main Content. Feaster: My judicial philosophy is shaped by being fair, consistent and respectful. I have worked in the prosecutors office, as a judicial clerk, as a criminal defense attorney and currently as a public defender. I will aim to foster justice and healing within the purview of the law, and build trust in our justice system from all members of our community, no matter their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. What factors do you bring to bear in deciding a case? .hide-mobile { She also serves as the Presiding Judge of the Civil/Criminal Division. Richelew: Courts are here to serve the people. State legislature | Consolidation of services is especially critical in this day of scarce governmental resources. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. I have assisted victims of domestic violence; people facing foreclosures, evictions, and utility shutoffs; first offenders seeking a second chance; and victims of discrimination at school and work. He was appointed to this position by former Governor John Engler on March 18, 1999, to replace Judge Kurtis Wilder. I am here for you and look forward to making a difference in our community. I will run my caseload effectively, and I will take the time to listen to the facts of every case. As your Circuit Judge I will: Devote the time and effort to ensure every person coming into my courtroom knows their individual circumstances count. Barr could not be immediately reached for comment. Roumel: Ive spent my entire career helping people have a voice. Public policy. . Armstrong took the most votes followed by Barr. Honorable Patrick J. Conlin All rights reserved (About Us). However, other standards may apply as well, depending on whether it is an initial custody determination or change in custody after a custodial environment has already been established. Van den Bergh: Depending on the legal issue, the law requires judges to consider certain factors before deciding a case. 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