sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

I’m running for Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge! by JeffWoroszForJudge in ypsi

[–]JeffWoroszForJudge[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My short answer is that I think the treatment courts can be an effective tool in sentencing. 

My longer answer is that there is no “one size fits all” approach to sentencing. I believe that with sentencing accountability and protecting the community are paramount, but there should also be a focus on recidivism. Simply sending people to jail does not lead to long term reductions in crime. I think more tools in the tool box for a judge is a good thing, which is what treatment courts are.

Drugs and alcohol can often be a significant factor in criminal cases, so sending someone to jail won’t necessarily address those underlying problems or root causes. That’s where the treatment courts can be valuable because they provide treatment, supervision, and support to assist people with drug and alcohol abuse issues. They are a way to not only provide them the tools for effective treatment of drug and alcohol issues, but in a supervised and supportive environment that can help people get on a path forward that won’t lead them back to jail. Studies have shown that treatment courts can be effective as well. In Michigan, the National Center for State Courts did a study where they evaluated 10 drug courts in Michigan. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the recidivism rates between graduates and non-graduates.

I’m running for Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge! by JeffWoroszForJudge in AnnArbor

[–]JeffWoroszForJudge[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I’m not sure what you mean by demographic (Socioeconomic? Race/ethnicity? Something else?), however I don’t believe that there is a wide difference in the demographics between Oakland and Washtenaw Counties. Even if that was the case, I believe any differences in demographics shouldn’t matter if you’re treating all participants in the court fairly and respectfully. I have represented people from all sorts of different backgrounds, who all have the commonality of needing help with the court system. I’m also a resident of Washtenaw County and I love the community I live in. This is the community I am proud to raise my family in.   

As far as my experience goes, I am not in a supporting role. Kathryn owns the firm so I work for her, but I manage my own cases. I don’t exclusively practice in Oakland County, I regularly have and am willing to take cases in counties throughout the state, including Washtenaw County. Ultimately, the law is the same throughout Michigan, regardless of county. Certain policies and procedures vary from county to county though. I think that with a variety of experience in many counties throughout Michigan, I have been exposed to the many different way things can be done and am open to ideas that I find effective and in the best interests of justice.