Three local attorneys are vying for 14th Judicial District Court’s Division F seat, which opened in October when Judge Wilford Carter retired after 21 years on the bench. Judge Richard Wilson is serving in the interim.

Attorneys Derrick Kee, Michael Ned and Sharon Wilson, all Democrats, are on the April 5 ballot. The American Press asked each candidate to answer the same five questions in 100 words.

What makes you the best candidate for the position of 14th Judicial District Court Division F judge?

Kee: The question is not who is the best candidate because that is pre-election rhetoric. The question is who will best serve the people after the election is over? I believe that is me. Too often, people say that judges become so isolated that they believe they are disconnected from the people. I have the best and most consistent record of fighting for the people of the community, irrespective of their background, race, gender, creed or otherwise. Additionally, I have the most “qualitative” legal and life experience that allows me to engage and connect with people far more effectively than my opponents.

Ned: I am the best candidate for the position of judge because my character, views and values are reflective of the district. Apart from this, my compassion, strong work ethic, diversified employment, life experiences and involvement in the community is what makes me best qualified for the position of Division F judge.

Wilson: Since graduating from LSU law school, I have practiced law for 22 years, 17 of those an assistant district attorney. I am the founding partner of Sharon Darville Wilson law firm. I have had the pleasure of representing clients from all backgrounds in varied areas of the law. I believe that a judge should have the experience of a practicing attorney and most importantly, have a foundation of knowledge encompassing as many areas of the law as possible. I sincerely believe my years of trial experience and well-rounded legal experience, coupled with my dedication to the law, uniquely qualifies me for this position.

What do you believe is the biggest issue the 14th Judicial District Court faces?

Kee: The court has a perception problem — that it is a divided entity, with no consistency amongst the judges and the entities associated with the court. The result is abject public distrust in the system and the judicial process. I will make sure that the perception of the court is one that is pure, fair and just. Additionally, there is a reality issue: Louisiana is the incarceration capital of the world. I will fight for justice that sends nonviolent citizens to work rather than to jail and will create a reality that incentivizes hard work, rehabilitation and a second chance where practical.

Ned: As a former public defender, I consider the biggest issue facing the 14th Judicial District Court is inadequate representation for those who cannot afford an attorney. There are other important issues to tackle as well, to wit: docket overcrowding, lack of mental health and drug rehabilitative measures in sentencing, and how to deal with the increasing rate of youth offenders.

Wilson: The biggest issues facing the 14th Judicial District Court are the overcrowded dockets. I am willing to allocate extra court days to help to reduce the size of the dockets.

If elected, do you believe there is anything that you can do as a judge to make sure that the Public Defenders Office is adequately funded?

Kee: One of the primary duties of a judge is to make sure that all plaintiffs or defendants are afforded equal access to justice. If elected, I will use my influence to implement policies under the court’s judicial administration to provide funds that allow for quality representation to defendants. Funds may derive from several sources, including fines, costs, fees, legislative appropriations, and judicial funds. I will be an advocate and the voice for fundamental fairness as it relates to any and all available sources in the interest of equal access to justice.

Ned: If elected, I would consider reviewing the judicial budget to determine what portion of its funds can be contributed to the Public Defenders Office in an effort to assist in its funding.

Wilson: The funding of the local Public Defender’s Office is not a judicial function; it is a legislative function. I would support any efforts to encourage the Louisiana state Legislature to fund the Public Defenders Office in a manner that is equal to other state agencies.

If elected, what will you do to ensure defendants do not repeatedly return through the system?

Kee: Unfortunately, Louisiana incarcerates more of its people than anywhere else in the world. We need to shift our resources toward rehabilitation. It is unacceptable that we have a constant revolving door that routinely lands our children and grandchildren back in jail. Therefore, we must take a “front-end” approach to keeping nonviolent offenders out of jail in the first place. Additionally, we need to shift our resources toward providing certification and training while incarcerated. An effective re-entry program will enable individuals who return to the community to put themselves in a position to gain employment, housing and other dignities associated with becoming positive citizens again.

Ned: If elected, I would not just impose sentences commensurate of the offenses committed, but impose rehabilitative measures such as substance abuse treatment and life skill courses so that defendants will be afforded a fair opportunity to become productive citizens. I believe all citizens should be treated fair, and should be assigned the same quality of justice.

Wilson: No one can ensure that defendants do not repeatedly return through the system. But I can as judge address the issues that cause certain individuals to come into the criminal justice system. That is why I plan to volunteer to work with the Adult Mental Health Court and Drug/DWI Court. I also plan to help expand the Mental Health Court to include our disabled veterans.

If elected, what will be your approach to setting bonds?

Kee: The purpose of bond is to assure that a defendant will appear at trial. Too often people with financial means are able to post bond while others less affluent are stuck in jail without the ability to post bond for similar charges.  Setting bonds is often a judge’s first decision on a case, and this decision must be tempered with fairness, justice and equality. Fundamental fairness should afford every defendant, rich or poor, the best opportunity to defend the presumption of innocence. Bonds should never be used to shock the conscience of the public, whether too high or too low.  

Ned: I think there is a serious concern regarding the lack of uniformity in setting bonds. Bonds are not meant to punish, but rather to ensure a defendant’s presence in court. As judge, I would set reasonable bonds based upon the evidence, nature of the crime, flight risk, danger a defendant poses to society, criminal history, financial status, community ties, employment opportunity and intuition.

Wilson: I believe that those accused of crimes should have a reasonable bond set while awaiting trial. Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 334 sets out the factors in determining the amount of bail to insure the presence of the accused and the safety of the public. I feel strongly that those factors must be followed and that bail must be set commensurate with a person’s financial ability to give bail. I am fully committed to following the law in a fair manner.(MGNonline)