Commitment to Respectful Public Service
Patrick has more than 25 years’ experience in the criminal justice system, and his track record of not only delivering, but fiercely advocating for thorough and effective representation for all clients - retained or appointed - is testament to his commitment. He understands that just because something has always been done a certain way, does not mean that it cannot change and improve. Patrick knows that our courts have the opportunity to be better. From operating more efficiently to respect parties’ time, to implementing and evolving best practices such as electronic filing and Zoom court appearances, Patrick believes in working with the community to ensure that the judicial system works well for those it serves. He has demonstrated this commitment in his statewide work with the State Bar of Michigan and locally by supervising the Defense in our many Marquette County treatment courts, including Sobriety Court, Drug Court, and Veterans Treatment Court. And he will work with other judges and the County Commission in this role to make these improvements a reality.
Promoting Court Efficiency
Judges play a critical role in the business of administering justice. Court operations account for a large portion of Marquette County taxpayer dollars, and as with any government body, they must be responsibly administered. Under Patrick’s leadership, the Public Defender’s office has ushered in an entirely paper-free file management system, saving thousands of dollars annually, and he will bring this same forward-thinking approach to the bench.
Marquette County currently has an outstanding warrant list for people who have failed to pay off criminal fines, traffic fees, or other outstanding costs that goes back decades and covers over 50 single spaced pages. This list must be dealt with in a MUCH more expeditious manner so Law Enforcement and the Courts stop needlessly wasting time processing paperwork on old files which yield no results.
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It costs $120 per day to incarcerate an individual in the Marquette County Jail, during which time inmates are not working, not able to pay child support, and are frequently faced with eviction when they can’t afford rent. From a purely financial standpoint, Patrick is committed to a criminal justice system that still holds people accountable but also directs resources towards rehabilitation, rather than automatically driving towards punishment. Defendants need to be held accountable, victims deserve swift closure, and our courts should not be backlogged for months on end.
If elected, Patrick will work with other judges, court staff, and attorneys to ensure that trials are not unnecessarily delayed, proceedings move efficiently, and the court rules are followed.
Ensuring Our Courts Work for Everyone
Our local courts, judges, and attorneys work hard every day to ensure that our courts run smoothly. We also know that courts are historically un-welcoming to those who suddenly find themselves navigating the system - procedurally and physically.
A good judge understands the whole picture to achieve the best outcome. They respectfully guide the parties to the outcome required under the law by analyzing “what circumstances led the parties to this moment? Do they understand the process, their rights, and their responsibilities? Do they have the needed resources, support, and instructions to meet their obligations?” The use of video conferencing and live-streaming of court proceedings have created new opportunities for many but have been true barriers for others, for example.
Patrick will continue to support accessible entrances and improved signage in conjunction with more informative web-based resources that further explain the process of the courts. These efforts will help to make our courts more accessible and inviting to all of Marquette County’s citizens.