Website: kwentuaforjudge.com
Short Answer:
What should voters consider when choosing their Judge for the 19th Judicial Court? What makes a good temperament for a judge?
Voters should consider integrity, impartiality, transparency, organization and efficiency when choosing their Judge for the 19th Judicial District Court. The Judge controls the culture of the courtroom and the goal is to create an environment that voters can trust when required to come to court. A good temperament for a Judge is one that maintains order in the courtroom but encourages dialogue and communication between all parties. Establishing standards and expectations for the court early on will help with taking the guesswork out of what’s appropriate for court and encourages attorneys to be zealous advocates while remaining focused on efficiency.
What is your personal experience with pro bono work? Do you believe all citizens have adequate access to legal assistance and the legal system? How can this access be improved?
My work as an Assistant District Attorney limits some of the pro bono opportunities that I would be able to help with but I prioritize volunteer work and pro bono services whenever possible. I believe all citizens have the right to adequate access to legal assistance and to the legal system but in practice, there are many that fall through the cracks because of the volume of cases and the financial burdens involved with acquiring legal assistance. I believe this access can be improved by encouraging a court culture that supports mitigation and alternative programs for lower level offenses to allow a greater focus for legal assistance on violent crimes and serious felony cases. I also believe that within reason, setting timelines for the life of a case in court can help with lowering the volume of court matters and help with better managing court resources to focus on citizens that really need the attention.
What factors do you consider in granting and setting bail amounts for defendants? What do you believe is the primary consideration?
The factors I consider in granting and setting bail amounts for defendants models the factors established by the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure: 1) The seriousness of the offense charged, (2) The weight of the evidence, (3) Prior criminal record, (4) ability of the defendant to give bail, (5) nature and seriousness of the danger to person or the community, (6) voluntary participation in a pretrial drug testing program, (7) drug usage
(8) currently out on bond, (9) probability of appearance, and (10) type or form of bail. Primary consideration for me is the seriousness of the danger to person or community if the individual is released. I believe prior criminal history patterns can help with understanding the risk of release beyond just the facts of the incident.
How has the War on Drugs been effective and ineffective? What is your view on mandatory sentencing for non-violent drug offenses?
Drugs charges can be difficult to assess depending on if the individual is a user or seller of narcotics and the individual’s willingness to address the root of the behavior if given the opportunity (and whether a support system is in place to encourage addressing the root of the behavior). Sentencing requires having the flexibility to assess the prior history, the current case facts, the danger to the community, the support structure and other factors in order to determine the appropriate resolution.
What is a judge’s responsibility regarding the growing problem of overcrowding in Louisiana’s prison system?
Overcrowding in Louisiana’s prison system is a documented issue that requires the work of all parties to make the change. Overcrowding should be a consideration for the judge when sentencing but should be evaluated on a case by case basis. When the law and facts of a case allow for alternative sentencing, the Judge has a responsibility to be open to alternative measures when it’s possible without compromising the safety of the community. When the law and facts of a case support incarceration, the Judge has a responsibility to implement harsher punishments. I believe one area that a Judge can control that directly impacts overcrowding is to set a timeline for cases to avoid unnecessary incarceration prior to conviction. Risk assessments during bond setting could also be a helpful tool to support the focus on overcrowding.