- What makes you qualified to serve as a magistrate judge? If you're an incumbent, what accomplishment(s) in the current term make you worthy of re-election?
- I have served 7 1/2 years in Magistrate Court and accomplished many things, such as an award from the Domestic Violence shelters and the confidence to handle such an important position as a magistrate. Some say I am very strict on drunk drivers, that has always been my stand and I intend to continue in this way to try my best to drugs and drunk drivers off the streets.
- Do you have a law degree? Are you a member of the state bar?
- No. No.
- Current law allows anyone with a high school degree or GED to be magistrate. Circuit judges are required to have a law degree for five years and be a member of the state bar. Should magistrates have similar requirements?
- No, I feel a law degree is not necessary in Magistrate Court. We are the peoples court. I have attended all conferences that the Supreme Court has provided for magistrates.
- Many cases are delayed in magistrate court. Do you believe this happens too often? What changes would you make in the upcoming term? Why or why not?
- Yes. I would ask the Prosecutor and the Defense to be prepared when court date is set.
- Felony cases are often pleaded down to misdemeanor charges in magistrate court. In fact, a Herald-Dispatch review of felony drug trafficking cases in 2004 found that about 54 percent of the charges were dismissed or reduced to misdemeanor charges. Do you believe too many plea bargains occur? As a magistrate, how would you govern when considering these issues?
- Yes. Most of the time the Prosecutor and the Defendants attorney have already made their agreement before entering court. When this occurs the Magistrates have no choice.
- Currently magistrates begin felony court at 10:30 a.m., but the morning roll call is often followed by a lengthy recess and negotiation period. Victims, witnesses and police officers wait, sometimes for hours at a time, as attorneys negotiate. More often than not, the scheduled hearing is canceled or postponed without the subpoenaed persons ever testifying. What can you do as a magistrate in the upcoming term to increase efficiency?
- Magistrate Court in Cabell County doesn't have enough courtrooms to be efficient. They will always be crowded and time consuming until more courtrooms are provided.
- Critics say some bond amounts are set too high, while others complain many offenders, particularly out-of-town drug suspects, are able to post bond too quickly. How can you address these concerns in the upcoming term?
- I feel bonds are tho be set according to the crime committed and take into consideration if they are a flight risk.
- What role does the magistrate play in reducing Cabell County's regional jail costs?
- None-The jail cost plays no roll when the bond is set.
- Do you support an around-the-clock schedule, which would keep a magistrate on duty 24 hours each day as one way to help reduce Cabell County's jail bill? Do you support the current 8:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. weekday schedule?
- The State of West Virginia doesn't provide enough magistrates to work around the clock. Magistrates in Cabell County already work 15 1/2 hours daily.
- In light of increased jail bills and prison overcrowding, many people have supported alternative sentencing. Others push for strict prison and jail sentences to increase public safety and deter future crime. What role do you believe prison/jail has in today's sentencing environment?
- None-Overcrowding in prison/jail has nothing to do with sentencing today. Magistrates sentence according to the crime committed.
- What role do other punishments, such as home confinement, day reporting, probation and fines, have in today's sentencing environment?
- ? Less serious crimes, such as speeding, shoplifting, trespassing and littering has a place in today's sentencing as far as home confinement, day reporting and probation are concerned.
- Several inmates have been kept in the Western Regional Jail after their charges were dismissed. The jail did not receive release forms from the magistrate who dismissed charges in those instances. The County Commission says this resulted in the county being charged for unnecessary jail stays. What will you do in the upcoming term to address these issues?
- Double check all paperwork done by my subordinates daily. Not only for saving money for court cost but to make sure no one has to spend more than their time in jail.
- Do you support the continued use of bail bondsmen in Cabell County?
- Yes, they provide a good service for the people in need.
- What should be a judge's role be in revoking someone's bond when they violate terms of their release?
- After being presented with a complaint from the Prosecutor and probable cause is found a magistrate sets a bond revocation hearing.
- According to media reports, a Putnam County circuit judge said he would run for re-election, but vowed he would not accept any contributions. He said he would finance the campaign with his personal savings alone. He made his decision to avoid any impropriety. He said some may think a judicial candidate owes a supporter if he is elected. Will you make a similar pledge? Why or why not?
- Yes. Some of our constituents may feel the right to have special favors done for them if they donate money.
- REPLY IN FEWER THAN 50 WORDS: Do you believe magistrates should be certified after training? Why or why not?
- Yes. This would assure magistrates know exactly what the Supreme Court requires.
- REPLY IN FEWER THAN 50 WORDS: What procedures do you believe could be improved in the handing of domestic violence and child abuse cases?
- Child Abuse and Domestic cases are the most serious cases we handle. Circuit Judges and Law Masters have had more education and experience in these fields and should handle these from start to finish.
- REPLY IN FEWER THAN 50 WORDS: Do you think magistrates need to be tougher on littering and other environmental cases?
- Magistrates do not get many of these cases, but these are charges that home confinement, day reporting, probation and fines can take care of.
