- 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 22 years experience in Magistrate Court. I am available, I work hard, I am fair and I strive for Justice for all.
- Do you have a law degree? Are you a member of the state bar?
- I do not currently hold a law degree. However, I have completed numerious Magistrate Education Programs sponsored by the West Virginia Supreme Court. These educational programs, along with my 22 years experience more than qualify me for this Office.
- 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?
- I do not feel a Magistrate should be required to hold a law degree. I feel the yearly training provided by the West Virginia Supreme Court is an adequate educational requirement for a Magistrate.
- 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?
- There are not that many cases delayed. However, many delays are due to a defendant not appearing, an emergency, or a witness/victim that cannot be contacted forcing a continuance. This is out of the control of the Court.
- 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?
- I do not feel there are an excessive amount of plea bargains or felony cases reduced to a misdemeanor. Often times there is not a probable cause forcing a dismissal.
- 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?
- An additional Court Room would be very beneficial and greatly increase efficiency. At present, we have Misdemeanor Trials at 9am and Felony Trials at 10:30am. If Misdemeanor Trials are not completed on time, the Felony Trials overlap and cause a delay.
- 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?
- A Magistrate must be reasonable when setting a Bond. If a Bond is set, it cannot be denied if the Surety posts cash. Usually, an out-of-state Bond is higher.
- What role does the magistrate play in reducing Cabell County's regional jail costs?
- I support Alternative Sentencing when appropriate which can greatly reduce jail costs. Reasonable and fair Bonds can also greatly reduce the number of defendants placed in regional jails, thereby reducing jail costs.
- 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?
- I do not support the around-the-clock schedule. I support the the current schedule.
- 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?
- I do support Alternative Sentencing when it is appropriate. However, in some more serious cases where public safety is at risk, I push for strict jail sentencing.
- What role do other punishments, such as home confinement, day reporting, probation and fines, have in today's sentencing environment?
- I feel these Alternative Sentences, where appropriate, do relieve overcrowding at our jails and Prisons.
- 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?
- This has never happened in my Court. We always obtain verification from the jail that they received the Release of Committment.
- Do you support the continued use of bail bondsmen in Cabell County?
- Yes
- What should be a judge's role be in revoking someone's bond when they violate terms of their release?
- Do a Bond revocation to complete sentence.
- 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?
- No, I do not agree that supporters expect a favor in return for their donations. I do not feel it is improper to accept such donations.
- REPLY IN FEWER THAN 50 WORDS: Do you believe magistrates should be certified after training? Why or why not?
- Yes, I do believe magistrates should be certified. This is a verification of your qualification for office.
- REPLY IN FEWER THAN 50 WORDS: What procedures do you believe could be improved in the handing of domestic violence and child abuse cases?
- Domestic violence cases are usually heard in family court. Child abuse cases should be heard without any delays.
- REPLY IN FEWER THAN 50 WORDS: Do you think magistrates need to be tougher on littering and other environmental cases?
- Yes, I think littering is a serious environmental charge and should be dealt with accordingly.
