An Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, decorated US Army veteran, long-time Washtenaw County resident, and loving mother and wife, Fawn Armstrong embodies all of the qualities needed to effectively serve the people of Washtenaw County. There is always the need for more education about the fact that you know its an illness that needs to be managed every day for the rest of your life. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Four Washtenaw County attorneys are vying for a chance to be the next 14A District Court Judge in the upcoming Aug. 2 primary. Conlin has served since 1995 but is unable to seek re-election in 2020 due to the 70-year age limit for judges in Michigan. | The seat covers all district court matters for Washtenaw County except for the city of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. I ran to retain that seat at the next election and was just re-elected this past November to a full six-year term. Elections in 2023 | State legislature | So, you need a judge whos able and willing to spend time developing a team and then applying for the grant to the State Court and going through the training certification process that the Supreme Court has set up for us. We also have someone from Dawn Farms who comes to our team every week, because many people are self-medicating or have substance addictions as well as mental health issues, and so we try to work holistically with both of these issues. I stayed home with them for about 15 years. Archie Brown In order for the court to decide on the appropriate sentence, the defendant meets with a probation officer who asks questions about their background their education, physical health, mental health, finances. The presumption is going to be that we do not send people to jail for most crimes that are misdemeanors and that we take time to do a very individually tailored probation plan that would assist that person. The Public Access to Court Records (PACER), 22nd Judicial Circuit Court Washtenaw County Juvenile Court. Judge Valvo: Its here to stay. [1] Judges David Swartz (Chief judge) Archie Cameron Brown Pat Conlin Timothy Connors Carol Kuhnke [2] Former judges Donald Shelton See also Washtenaw County, Michigan Michigan Circuit Court Courts in Michigan External links [1], What's on my ballot? We give a lot of incentives to people who are trying hard to work their plan and are successfully working their plan. Cathy Hearn: Very well, thank you, how are you doing? Judge Valvo: Yes, a little. The attorneys I was working for were encouraging me to get my 4-year degree and my law degree, but my husband and I decided that we wanted to have our family. When they have accomplished a certain set of goals within a certain number of days, they do whats called phasing up, and they submit an application. Its been exciting to see some people become very stable and very healthy and give back as volunteer workers by becoming involved in support networks that are connected to the Court. Cathy Hearn: Weve covered my next question in some aspects, but I wanted to give you the opportunity to speak to this separately. Again, doing that virtually doesnt feel as heartwarming as it used to when we could do it all in person. In the nonpartisan primary, the two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes advance to the general election. Let us know here, 15th District Court City of Ann Arbor101 East Huron Street0.0 mile away, Washtenaw County Probate Court101 East Huron Street, Room 3140.0 mile away, 22nd Judicial Circuit Court Washtenaw County Juvenile Court2270 Platt Road2.2 miles away, 2023 Everything-Bytes | Terms of Use & Privacy Policy. Cathy Hearn: A question I have is where does the funding come from, because I would imagine that lots of these folks come from situations where they dont have access to good insurance. We try to make those graduated sanctions. Voters set to decide who takes over the bench from retiring 14B District Court judge. When you are done searching, select Disconnect. Sanctions are tailored specifically to the capabilities of each person, their challenges and why its challenging. The judge then applies to the State Court administrative office for the funding. I really dont do any of those big exciting flashy things. Cathy Hearn: Right! We have colored stones that have inspirational words engraved on them. The people of Washtenaw County are served by the Michigan Third District Court of Appeals, a circuit court, district court, and probate court. One person could manage those services for our participants so theyre not running around all over town, so to speak. So, the criminal justice system is changing. We used to have a party every time someone graduated, with cakes and cupcakes for everybody in the courtroom, to celebrate that person. The administrative staff works with the judge to make sure they have all the right pieces. Well, lets move on to my first question. Participants from our Court could go through those classes while they were on probation. During each phase they have a chance to sit with the probation officer and develop a set of goals and plans that they want to accomplish in their life, and then we try to put the supports in place to allow them to accomplish that. Were particularly fortunate in Washtenaw Count to have the number of community service organizations that we have. For Washtenaw Countys 14A District Court Judge. Judge Valvo: The first thing you have to have is a judge whos willing to do the work to start the court and to preside over the court. *Please call to verify. The 14A District Court piloted an online ticket review platform in 2014 and has not stopped there. Id like to learn more about you as a person as well as your professional philosophy, in any order. If any of these apply to you, contact the court to verify they observe the exemption. Its been exciting to see people turn their lives around. Veterans who have not been committing crimes will volunteer to mentor someone in our court for the whole time that person is on probation. The coordinator can help the person with a lot of paperwork details. More Local Journalism to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 4/30/23, Erane Washington for 14B District Court Judge. The interview transcript has been edited for clarity and flow. Or we have them write a recommitment letter. Restorative justice would entail using communication between offenders and victims to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior, Washington said. 2A District Court DWI Sobriety Court; Lenawee Hillsdale; 517-437-7329 I was wondering if you were able to share any anecdotes from your time serving on the Mental Health Treatment Court. Judge Valvo: Well, I worked for a law firm when I was 18 and 19 as kind of a legal assistant, and then I got married. Its quite a bit more work than what I would call our routine dockets. Thats pretty much the core team that we have. Note- when Courtroom A, B or C is referenced, these cases will appear at 14A-1 Service Center. Their name is placed in a drawing for a $25 gift card. 22nd Circuit Court; Hybrid DWI/Drug Court Washtenaw; Ann Arbor 734-222-6915; 23rd Circuit Court Hybrid DWI/Drug Court; Alcona . Cathy Hearn: Lets speak a little more about the Mental Health Treatment Court. *Please call to verify. Cathy Hearn: Do you tend to experience a level of stigma with some of the participants where it may be difficult for them to accept a mental health diagnosis or something similar to that? *Not location specific. Ballot measures, Who represents me? As long as they did what they were supposed to do, the judge would never see them again. Elections in 2023 | She believes in the U.S. Constitution and the rights it affords to the accused. School districts | The court docket site is directly linked to the Court's case management system and will be updated as soon as case scheduling changes are made available to case management staff. The treatment team professionals do the analysis and make recommendations about the treatment that needs to be provided, and then the different team members each work in their own areas of expertise. They may have a sober game night with other friends of the mentor so the person is developing a healthy supportive social network. I think a lot of members have heard about this court, but could you explain a little more about how it works and where it fits into the system? How to vote | I would like to see more of it for people in the mental health court. Ballotpedia features 408,463 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. a Department or Service an Employee See Something, Say Something - Make a Report View Board & Commission Documents Agendas He joined the court in 1997. Washtenaw County, Civil, General Civil - Unlimited, General Civil - Limited, Small Claims, Complex Commercial, Foreclosures and Liens, Real Estate Title and Boundary, Criminal, Mental Health, Phone Number: 734-973-4545 14A District Court General Info Locations 14A-1 14A-1 Located in Pittsfield Township, The 14A-1 District Court presides over Pittsfield Township for all Criminal Misdemeanor and Civil Infraction (traffic cases). It is one of 105 district courts in Michigan. Cathy Hearn: Thanks so much for making time for this interview. Most of all, she believes in service above self which will guide the discharge of her duties as the next 14A District Court Judge. A new set of laws were signed at the end of last year requiring judges to reconsider how probation is being used and how sentences are being handed down for many crimes. The court is presided over by three judges: the Honorable Joseph F. Burke, the Honorable Miriam A. Perry and the Honorable Karen Quinlan Valvo. The funding mechanism in each state might be different, but its a pretty widely accepted form of probation across the whole country. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Its not a mom or dad, its just a friend whos available, maybe for phone calls or to provide a ride once in a while. It is one of 105 district courts in Michigan. Federal courts | And obviously, NAMI participates with us. School districts | You know, Pat Root from NAMI WC is fantastic. Ballotpedia provides comprehensive coverage of the 100 largest cities in America by population as well as mayoral, city council, and district attorney election coverage in state capitals outside of the 100 largest cities. They also get a certificate celebrating their accomplishment. | Judge Perry is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Washtenaw County Bar Association, Michigan District Judges Association, Association of Black Judges of Michigan, American Judges Association, Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Womens Lawyers Association of Michigan, NAACP, Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Judge Simpson was appointed to the 14A Bench in September of 1999 and served as Chief Judge of the 14A District Court from January 2002 through December 2007. These treatment courts are starting all over the country, and Ive taken training from some of them. Cathy Hearn: I know that you covered your transition through from family law and the connections with your own family life and that youre interested in that area. The need to be personally present to each other, I think this is something that were all hoping can be met in the very end, as soon as the pandemic is under control, but I think well continue to use some hybrid methods of getting together by Zoom. The position covers all district court matters for Washtenaw County except for the City of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. We have a 43% success rate, which is defined as somebody who graduates from the Court and does not find themselves back in the criminal justice system for two years after graduation. Every other week, we have an afternoon in court where we talk. MiCOURT Virtual Courtroom Directory Click a county to see available virtual courtrooms Live now Offline Unknown COVID-19 Each court's local administrative order for Return to Full Capacity can be found here This office is outside of Ballotpedia's coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. She believes in service tempered by compassion and understanding. Judge Valvo: Yes. How to run for office | November 2012 - Present Magistrate Cameron covers our Chelsea traffic docket as Friday afternoon arraignments. Its a generous community. Cathy Hearn: Is that a fairly stable source of funding? By the time participants come to the Court, theyre asking to be in the Court and theyre asking for help. Judge Valvo: Im happy to. 4133 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor MI 48108. and loving mother and wife, Fawn Armstrong embodies all of the qualities needed to effectively serve the people of Washtenaw County. Let us know here, 22nd Judicial Circuit Court Washtenaw County Juvenile Court2270 Platt Road0.9 mile away, 14a 2 District Court Washtenaw County Ypsilanti415 West Michigan Avenue2.4 miles away, 2023 Everything-Bytes | Terms of Use & Privacy Policy. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Buron Harris. With 100 percent of Washtenaw Countys ballots being counted as of 3:29 a.m., Nov. 4, Washington won the judicial seat with 63.39 percent of the total votes, or 14,494 votes compared to 8,257 votes cast for her opponent, current 14B Court Administrator and Magistrate Mark Nelson. Judge Valvo was chosen to be the guest speaker at this meeting because she presides over the specialized Mental Health Treatment Court and Veterans Treatment Court dockets. To inquire about existing cases please visit the 14A District Court Case Search website. I like to take long walks, I like to read, and I like to garden and spend time with my family I have six brothers and sisters. | Sometimes people kick and scream all the way to the end of the goal line, and then they come back at the end and say I was hating you while you were making me do it, I didnt want to do it, you didnt give up on me, thank you for making me do it, and so on. The goal is to provide them with the tools to manage their mental health so that they do not see the criminal system again. If any of these apply to you, contact the court to verify they observe the exemption. If she knew someone was struggling, shed sit with them during the court hearing. She is the oldest of six children and they grew up on a dirt road in Marine City, MI. Some cases will automatically be set aside due to a legislative change beginning on 4/11/23. The 15th District Court where I sit covers misdemeanor crimes, so for most cases there is a maximum possibility of one year in jail, plus fines and costs. Washtenaw County Service Center, 4133 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor, MI48107 For instance, if it was a theft, the person might have to go to a class to develop their awareness about the impact of stealing from other people. Cathy Hearn: That is something Ive been struck with, definitely. YPSILANTI TWP., MI Voters have selected Erane Washington to serve as the next 14B District Court Judge following the Nov. 3 General Election. All rights reserved (About Us). We have a similar thing in the Veterans Court, but we call them mentors. I lead the team, and Im assisted by a coordinator who takes care of all the practical details such as scheduling and reporting. There are certain parameters we have to follow for reporting drug and alcohol tests back to the Supreme Court to make sure people are really doing their jobs. The filing deadline for non-incumbents was April 19, 2022. Visit our Links Page for websites providing Employment Listings, as well as US Government holiday closings. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. Many of our participants dont have cars or drivers licenses, so it could take a considerable amount of their time to get around by bus. Being District Court Judge is an amazing opportunity to really make a difference in people's lives. I think its very likely that well continue to do some meetings by Zoom just for everybodys convenience. A retired Ingham County judge has determined that Washtenaw County district court Judge J. Cedric Simpson acted improperly on all counts alleged by the Michigan Judicial Tenure. Cathy Hearn: Forgive my lack of familiarity with the kind of decentralization of the US system [Cathy moved here from London in 2016]. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Washtenaw County's 14A Judge J. Cedric Simpson handily fought off his challenger, Ann Arbor attorney Thomas Bourque, garnering 61 percent of the vote, with all 78 precincts reporting results.. Magistrate Fink Their in-depth interview is posted on the NAMI WC website. Its all one person who triages for them and is part of the team. Federal courts | They have to have a diagnosed mental illness or service-related trauma or substance use issue. After we speak to all the Stars in the docket, everybody whos done almost everything they were supposed to do, but maybe missed a key something, would have their names go into the drawing for a $10 gift card. We have a community engagement officer in our police department who gets to know all of the people in our court and provides advice about whats happening in the community, or what people might need to notice. [1], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. And the Washtenaw Intermediate School District sends a representative for people who have educational gaps. I encourage all to read this very informative interview that includes a description of the Veterans [], NAMI Washtenaw County I finished my undergraduate work at Eastern Michigan University. In a process run by a county clerk, the candidates choose slips of paper from a box that say either "elected" or "not elected".[2]. She is a bonafide advocate for fair representation, is committed to justice, and is incredibly passionate about community and will strive to preserve its safety. I began to notice how families often had substance use issues or mental health issues as part of the difficulty they were having maintaining their family lives. A representative from the Delonis Center also sits on our team. The candidates running for the. 1100 N Main St. How to vote | Conlin's early retirement [] She believes in service tempered by compassion and understanding. She assumed office on December 30, 2020. People used to give each other hugs. Cathy Hearn: It sounds like youve been in the area for a really long time. NAMI also provides the peer-to-peer classes. Some crimes have 93-day or 90-day limits. U of M Law Students Made a Video About Landlord Tenant Process, 14A District Court Pioneers Online Case Resolution, 14A-3 Chelsea Closed today 3/6/23 Due to Network Issues, Use our QR code to make a payment for your court fines and costs. I applied and was very honored and thrilled when Governor Snyder chose to appoint me to fill that seat. They get to pick a stone thats meaningful to them as a token for phasing up. Judge Barr was elected to the bench in November 2022. Judge Valvo: Its all Medicare and Medicaid. Washtenaw County Service Center, 4133 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 . Case information for convictions where the sentencing occurred more than seven years ago will soon be available through the MiCOURT Case Search, however, temporarily, you must contact the court of record to obtain those historic records. Washtenaw County, Michigan Circuit Court 22nd Circuit Court, Michigan David Swartz (Chief judge) Archie Cameron Brown Pat Conlin Timothy Connors Carol Kuhnke [1] District Court Michigan Fifteenth Judicial District Court Joseph F. Burke (Chief judge) Miriam A. Perry Karen Valvo [2] Michigan 14B Judicial District Court Charles Pope [3] Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. [4], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. State and local courts | I think all of the problem-solving courts are here to stay for the foreseeable future. And then they need the cooperation of other judges on their bench to free up more of their time to do the problem-solving court. Theyd be available to talk to people informally and casually get to know people, encourage people. There is also one appointed magistrate, the Honorable Tamara Garwood. She is taking over the seat of current District Judge Charles Pope, who is retiring at the end of 2020. They were up and running and just starting to develop, so I was able to step into his shoes and continue building. It sounds like a really exciting time to be in the midst of it. Located in Pittsfield Township, The 14A-1 District Court presides over Pittsfield Township for all Criminal Misdemeanor and Civil Infraction (traffic cases). Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Nearest bus line: 33 Summit & Brooks stop. Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Wed do a ceremony and they would get a gift, a card, and a framed certificate. Cities | We used to be able to have treats in the courtroom. Thats more of the challenge. Attorney Erane Washington poses in her office in Ypsilanti Township on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.Jacob Hamilton/MLive.com. Pursuant to Michigan Law (MCL 769.1k (7)), Michigan Courts must provide information about any fine, cost or assessment that may be imposed at sentencing.