The Justice of the Peace reviews the bail and release conditions of every arrested person. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the community is safe and that the defendant will appear for court. I appeared at bail hearings for ten years as a prosecutor, representing our community’s interest and ensuring that victim’s interests are considered by the court. As someone who has handled thousands of bail hearings, I know the law, bail conditions that reduce public risk, and the unique considerations necessary to make a fair and informed decision. I will ensure that the victim’s constitutional right to be heard is respected and that defendants are afforded all rights and considerations guaranteed by the Constitution. Bail decisions are one of if not the most important court decisions for public safety. I will make sure that our community’s safety is a priority.

Most people do not think about the court process when they think about a judge. They only see a person on a bench, in a robe making decisions. Those processes are incredibly important to creating fair and efficient outcomes. As both the Chief Deputy District Attorney and the District Attorney, I implemented a paperless case management system and developed procedures that reduced case completion times and increased transparency. This improved the court experience for defendants and victims and more effectively utilized public funds. With the Court's intended transition to a paperless case management system, my insight and experience will be essential. I know how to create new workflows that keep in mind all stakeholders and focus on service to the public. I am committed to creating an efficient judicial system that ensures your tax dollars are not wasted and the time of every participant is respected.

Every criminal case in Carson City starts in the Justice Court. No matter if it is a citation for trespass or murder, everyone will be heard by a Justice of the Peace. Complex felony proceedings proceedings require substantial knowledge of case law, criminal procedure, and the evidentiary code. As a prosecutor I conducted numerous category A felony hearings in both the Justice and District Court. This experience ensures that every victim and every defendant on a serious felony case will have the fundamental assurance that their case will be heard by a knowledgeable, fair, and impartial judge.

At every hearing, I will ensure that victim’s are treated with dignity and respect, and each offender is held accountable and judged based on the individualized circumstances of their offense and choices. I recognize the difference between repeat and harmful offenders and individuals who are likely to be rehabilitated with support and structure. Serious and violent offenses should be addressed through firm and decisive action.

Applications for criminal search and arrest warrants are submitted to the Justice of the Peace by a law enforcement officer and the on-call prosecutor at all hours, day or night. I spent years on-call and participated in hundreds of warrant applications in the Justice Court. I have never had a warrant overturned in any court. I will make sure that warrants meet constitutional requirements, to protect the public from unnecessary government action.

Two of Carson City’s three adult specialty courts are run in Justice Court. I served for three years on both the Misdemeanor Treatment Court team and the Mental Health Court team. Each specialty court presents its own challenges, unique offender population, and limited resources. I received specialized training to know the best practices for each these courts. I am also aware of which offenders are appropriate for these programs. Specialty Court programs only work when treatment is effective and accountability is present which guides offenders to a path of rehabilitation.

Protective orders are a critical tool to protect individuals who have been the victims of stalking, threats, harassment, or domestic violence. These orders are often requested prior to the completion of the law enforcements investigation. Usually decisions are made solely based upon the written application of the person seeking the protection. A Justice of the Peace has the responsibility of determining which of these requests meets the legal requirements and which do not. As a long-time prosecutor, I have reviewed thousands of cases to determine if there is sufficient evidence to file charges. In the same way, as Justice of the Peace, I will review protective order applications to determine if there is a sufficient basis to grant the request. My experience with these types of cases affords me decisive insight into whether the application should be granted and what protections need to be put in place to keep the applicant safe. There is no substitute for experienced judgment when a person's safety is at risk.

The Justice Court hears most landlord-tenant actions, including evictions. As a prosecutor, I have witnessed how the absence of stable housing affects families in our community. However, I have also prosecuted many cases involving squatting, which adversely affect our small business owners and landlords. Both sides are important to understand and as a judge, I will evaluate the conduct of both the landlord and the tenant to reach a fair judgment for all parties involved.

Small claims actions are the true people's court. In these cases, most people appear without an attorney seeking relief for claims that are less than $10,000. The Justice of the Peace must fully understand legal burdens and evidentiary issues to prevent any party from gaining an unjust outcome based on the absence of legal education of another party. I litigated small claims matters for the Department of Corrections in Carson City’s Justice Court and I have a strong understanding of legal burdens and common contractual claims and defenses. By understanding the rules and the law, I can ensure a fair outcome for all.

Nevada’s traffic laws encompass both minor criminal misdemeanors and civil infractions. For most citizens, a traffic infraction is the only involvement they will have with the criminal justice system. Each offense type has its own evidentiary burdens and rules. Some traffic offenses reflect minor mistakes while others pose serious risks to innocent drivers and pedestrians. As a prosecutor for over ten years, I have handled nearly every traffic infraction in Nevada Law giving me the necessary experience to ensure that every individual receives a fair traffic trial.