The General Sessions Court of Nashville, Davidson Court serves as the gateway into the local justice system.  It is a high volume, limited jurisdiction Court that handles an array of cases such as domestic violence offenses, orders of protection, environmental violations, mental health matters, Metro ordinance violations, criminal offenses and civil cases up to $25,000.  As a result, it is frequently described as “the court of first resort”.  Because the General Sessions Court is often one's first encounter with the legal process, a General Sessions Judge must not only be fair and impartial, but be able to demonstrate those attributes in a manner that encourages confidence and respect, but most importantly, protects the integrity of the judicial system.  

 

A General Sessions Judge must be tough on crime, while being able to render a fair and equitable decision from the bench. A General Sessions Judge must be accessible to the people in the community for which it serves.   A General Sessions Judge must be able to handle a high volume, tense, and sometimes chaotic environment of the courtroom; therefore needing to be patient and respectful to all, be well-versed in the law and prepared to work. In 2012, over 200,000 cases were processed in General Sessions Court. 

 

Lastly, a General Sessions Judge should come with a skill set that enables them to truly understand and embrace the dynamics of domestic violence.  The State of Tennessee ranks  No. 6  in the country of women who are killed by their intimate partners.  Locally, over half of the crimes that committed are domestic in nature.  

 

I am confident that I am prepared to this level of commitment and serve the citizens of Davidson County.  Since 2001, I have worked in the General Sessions and Criminal Courts on a daily basis.  I have personally handled thousands of cases as an Assistant Public Defender or as an Assistant District Attorney, which have included conducting preliminary hearings, bench trials, jury trials and arguing motions.  As a public defender, I developed a true understanding and appreciation for people who have disenfranchised, criminalized and marginalized by life. Homeless, illiteracy, drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness are issues that overwhelm the resources of the criminal justice system. 

 

However, as a prosecutor, I understood the nature of criminal activity and dedicated my time and resources as an advocate for victims.   Because of my balanced prospective to justice, I have established the respect of my colleagues, the confidence of the law enforcement and most importantly, the trust of the people. It is that balance, experience and connection to our public  that make me a good fit and asset to the Davidson County General Sessions Court, Div. IV.