In 2009, while Schrunk was still district attorney, his office affidavited Marilyn Litzenberger, another Multnomah County circuit judge with very public views on judicial independence, and refused to allow her to hear any felony cases brought by the state. If this happens and decisions are reached even if not in their favor, they feel it was a fair decision. "She'd have to follow the law and allow us to participate in the hearings," says Deputy District Attorney Kirsten Snowden. video, They include: Allegations that in six instances over the past eight years, Matarazzo started a court proceeding without a prosecutor in the room. The courthouse includes orientation and deliberation rooms for jurors and grand jurors; Multnomah County Probation Intake offices; Sheriff offices for courthouse security; facilities for the transport of in-custody defendants; and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office. "If our statistics show us that the rate of recidivism is substantially less in a court-supervised program, I'm probably pretty pragmatic and going to give them a shot," she says. After this initial glimpse into politics and policymaking, Judge Moawad returned to her former role and went on to handle nearly every type of criminal case, including the prosecution of significant child sex abuse cases. Ulanda Watkins. This online docket displays scheduling information for pending cases for the next court day. The memo alleges that Matarazzo's reaction to the appeal reveals her bias against the state: "I can barely contain my contempt that the state appealed this," she is quoted as saying. Work is like a firehose; you cant manage everything. I realized that we needed to build up our menu of what is available for people in the community and use the right level of support, she said. One power district attorneys retain, however, is the blanket affidavit. MA We spend a lot of emphasis on procedural fairness and access to justice so people feel like they are heard. The first was Hon. All Rights Reserved. chapter That is in adherence to the law. Judge Eric Bloch, who ran the DISP court from 2003 to 2006, says he thinks Matarazzo's decisions fell within the parameters of treatment-court best practices and that Underhill's disagreement with her could have been resolved without the affidavit. in Circuit Court Judge. Early returns showed about two-thirds of votes counted. Alexander (SA), 26 . from "This experience is 10 times worse than breast cancer," says Matarazzo, who has survived two bouts with the disease. Judge Moawad was asked in 2013 if she had any interest in returning to Salem with the governors office. "If you take a judge's discretion away," Matarazzo says, "you might as well get a computer and plug in all of the factors and spit out a result.". Some of the complaints in the DA's memo, Matarazzo says, stemmed from her attempts to use her judicial discretion to funnel offenders into treatment instead of prison. the Judge Baggio graduated high school in Alabama and went on to Wake Forest University where she graduated in 1995, cum laude, with a BA in Speech Communication and a minor in French. They are very stressed out. In many communities, correctional facilities provide more treatment for people with mental illnesses than community-based mental health providers do. Judge Nan Waller has served in the Multnomah County, Oregon, circuit court system for 30 years. She remarked that both are customer service roles, and a judges goal is to ensure that lawyers and litigants who leave a courtroom feel that they have been heard and listened to. The story, which Matarazzo describes as "sensationalism," could have been written at nearly any time, she says, because DISP judges routinely take the risk of accepting offenders with three or more DUIIs into the program. She has already conducted many criminal trials and recently conducted her first civil trial in an employment discrimination case. And, while she had the opportunity to be involved in high profile cases, such as the Malheur occupation trial where she represented Joseph OShaughnessy, Judge Baggio talks most passionately about the individuals who overcame experiences of abuse, neglect, and addiction to become inspirations to everyone whose lives they touch. fine (Submitted photos). sociology She attributes working with her partners as being effective at showing her how to be a lawyer and practice law. We'll send you a newsletter with what you need to know every week. leader "I needed a change . I tried to explain the rules to the man myself, but he was very upset. (Initials)/(Assignment), Dept Number Phone Judicial Assistant Judicial Clerk 13-A / 13200 Albrecht (CAA)/(Chief Criminal), 31 971-274-0680 Vanessa DeJesus Benjamin Cregger 11-B / 11200 . She says she was merely ratifying a decision another judge had already made. the "People are recognizing more and more the power and influence that DAs have.". "We are seeing some shift that's happening at the Legislature," says the ACLU's Rogers. Despite the success of some treatment programs for people in the criminal justice system, just a fraction of the people who need these services receive them. "If they blow it, they can go to prison.". That kind of blanket rejection is extremely rare. Open. I told the man that a judge who handled restraining orders was on her way. Earlier this year, Underhill moved to defelonize the possession of minor amounts of hard drugs, well before other Oregon counties. There is no voicemail on this department's phone line. photography Oregon's recent criminal justice reform efforts have focused on reducing incarceration and limiting DAs' power. Underhill's office could lift the blanket affidavit at any time. These rules supplement the Uniform Trial court Rules (UTCRs). For example, in 2018, she joined the behavioral health steering committee for The Council of State Governments Justice Centers Justice Reinvestment Initiative in Oregon. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. judge for the Multnomah County circuit court in Portland, OR. photography, "Everybody's going to think about it. Matarazzo had a lot on her mind. Telephone customer service available. Former Supreme Court Justice Robert "Skip" Durham says Matarazzo would have made a strong addition to the court. For information regarding Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) , please visit Oregon State Legislature website. 2023 The Council of State Governments. "The community is in danger. I have the ability to bring that perspective to my work. The Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation have partnered to highlight leaders working to address mental health needs among people in the criminal justice system through innovative practices and programs. Instead, she gave him a final chance. management They (US officials) never took the time or effort to find it out All it would have taken was a phone call. Judge Baggio received awards from the ACLU of Oregon and American Jewish Committee for her work representing Gul. Mr. Matasar served as a mentor in private practice and was her sounding board for ideas. "I didn't know why he was there.". an When someone says you cannot be fair and impartial, for a judge, that strikes the essence of what it means to be a judge. in Our team works collaboratively with jurisdictions to understand the experiences and effects of victimization, increase access to victim services, and improve systemic responses through restitution and victim compensation programs. Online Services and Resources Thats when she set out to visit each of the mental health programs available to the people who come before her in court, totaling eight locations. That court gives judges greater discretion than any other specialty court to determine which offenders are fit to enter DISP to receive treatment rather than jail time. Matarazzo thinks the bad publicity may have interfered with her getting the Supreme Court appointment from Gov. There is no voicemail on this department's phone line. A fireplug with a big smile and cropped auburn hair, Matarazzo likes to cook Italian foodespecially cannolisand aspired to be a folk singer before she started her legal career. She and other DISP judges repeatedly asked legislators to relax the law for defendants in treatment court. "DAs have the right to affidavit judges. The suit led to the federal settlement that required the city to meet a list of police reforms. After one year at the MPD, Judge Baggio returned to the FPDs office where she worked from 2002 to 2013 for then-Federal Public Defender Steve Wax. At her investiture, her former colleagues spoke about her tenacious drive to protect the public and to pursue justice. Looking back, Judge Moawad says her work waiting tables between her time at Whittier College and beginning to attend law school at University of Oregon Law informs her in her current role presiding over cases. Brown, although the governor's office denies any connection. Judge McGuire approached the man, and I do not recall exactly what he said, but he was surprised to see that Judge McGuire was African American. Elizabeth Fleming. MFA After law school she joined the Metropolitan Public Defenders (MPD) office in Portland. She considers herself lucky, having been placed in foster care shortly after she was born, to have had a secure placement for all of her childhood. While juvenile incarceration rates have dropped dramatically over the past decade, most juvenile justice systems are not operating as effectively as possible. Multnomah County Circuit Court . served This Oregon government-related article is a stub. Prosecutors and defense attorneys sometimes make such requests. As a judge, its a challenge he happily faces every day. From 2013 until her appointment to the bench, Judge Moawad served as the Governors Public Safety Policy Advisor, providing continuity in the role when Governor Brown assumed office. health. "In personal injury work, everyone you deal with is hurt. She is inspired by the cards and letters she receives from former clients who have found the strength and courage to overcome some of lifes most seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Finding safe, stable housing can be one of the most immediate and dire challenges people face when they are diverted from or leave prison or jail. They are involved in custody battles and divorces. She worked for an architect as a graphic designer and was able to read blueprints. In 1995, voters approved Measure 11, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain violent crimes and thereby limiting judicial discretion. Judge McGuire took over the situation, explaining the rules, allowing him to express his concerns, and after going into the courtroom, getting on the record, he left feeling heard and understood, even if he did not have the restraining order hearing he was seeking. Last year, county and court officials finished planning a new, $300 million building to replace the crumbling, century-old county courthouse. She has a lot of compassion. In 2019, Governor Kate Brown appointed him to the Multnomah County Circuit Court. Maybe slower than Id like, but were moving. "I don't think the DA's office belongs there," she says. While in Salem, Judge Moawad also broadened her experience with public safety agencies and unexpectedly spent much of her time in that role marshalling the states responses and issuance of conflagration declarations in six consecutive summers of significant wildfires. His then-4-year-old daughter sat in the back seat. Judith Matarazzo is one of 38 judges for the Multnomah County Circuit Court. Some criminal justice reform advocates worry that even as lawmakers seek to rebalance the criminal justice system, the power of affidavits could curtail the independence of the judiciary. Because if there's any truth to that statement, you don't belong on the bench.". 1401 NE 68thPl., Portland OR 97213, Open. "She made me feel like I was a personand not just a case number, a person in the system, a criminal, an addict and an alcoholic.". Underhill ran unopposed in 2012 and 2016. When District Attorney Mike Schrunk retired in 2012 after three decades as the county's top prosecutor, he anointed as his successor the lanky Underhill, a keen cyclist who had spent his entire career in the DA's office and whose experience with criminal justice is personalhis younger brother is a convicted meth dealer. With her appointment, Judge Moawad returned to the same courthouse where she worked for the first decade-plus of her career as a Multnomah County prosecutor. Justice Adrienne Nelson Appointed to the US District Court of Oregon. Judge Moawad is a Stage III breast cancer survivor, a challenge that gives her unparalleled knowledge about what it takes to appear in court as an advocate in the face of adversity. Multnomah County Circuit Court Phone Number: 971.274.0500 2021 JUDICIAL DIRECTORY FOR CIVIL AND CRIMINAL JUDGES ONLY Address: Multnomah County Courthouse - 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204 WebSite: http://courts.oregon.gov/courts/Multnomah Court/ Chambers/ JrRm Judge (Initials) / (Assignment) Phone Judicial Assistant Clerks "A result of this could be that judges will feel pressure not to disagree too much or too often with the DA's office.". Weekend Lobby Hours Change at Inverness Jail Effective February 4. Waud entered the program in January 2011, after being arrested for driving 95 mph on a freeway while drunk. In the spring, she'd applied for one of two openings on the bench of the Oregon Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Underhill's office says no prosecutors spoke to The Oregonian for the story. On September 16, 2019, Judge Lucero was sworn in as Multnomah County's then-newest Circuit Court Judge, and immediately began her duties for an overworked court which has seen a spate of retirements. Judge McGuire acknowledges the momentous nature of her appointment. Setting off on her next career, McGuire attended Lewis & Clark Law School, graduating in 1995. While there, she represented hundreds of clients. Affidavits work differently from the justice system, in which the accused is innocent until proven guilty. Its been a long, competitive run for Brown, as six lawyers originally vied for the seat in the May primary. But while her candidacy was pending, Matarazzo allowed a nine-time DUII offender to enter DISP. We will treat you with respect. The previous building, a century-old courthouse, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Personal tragedy struck her friend, and four months later the focus for Patricia changed from helping to taking over a law business. General information: 971.274.0500 Jury service Judges Civil Criminal Family Parking Small Claims Small Estate Traffic OJD Courts ePay, online payment system Iniguez and Baggio were then appointed to represent Gul in his case filed in the DC District Court. Judge Wallers participation in these broader efforts has reinforced her belief that changes can be made to improve outcomes for people with mental health needs in the criminal justice system. Call ahead if you plan to visit at 503-988-3475. It's a philosophical disagreement over what role judges should play, who should be behind bars and for how longand how the vast sums of money allocated to public safety should be spent. Her focus was on being a general litigator and she worked on construction, anti-trust, employment, RICO, contract, and First Amendment licensing. Lawyers have an ethical obligation to protect their clients interests in the event of lawyer death, disability, or incapacity. The Professional Liability Fund has a great handbook (with forms) to help you with that process: Planning Ahead: A Guide to Protecting Your Clients Interests in the Event of Your Disability or Death, which is available at www.bit.ly/osbplanning-ahead. Detention visitation is limited. Those listed include judges of the Oregon Supreme Court, the Oregon Tax Court, and the Oregon Court of Appeals at the state level. Judge Alexander has spent many hours giving back to the community: as a board member of the Classroom Law Project, a mock trial coach at Jefferson High School and as a volunteer for local nonprofits. All 13 other races had just one candidate, the incumbent. "I was a walking hurricane," he says. Even more, though, she still marvels at Judge Moawads tenacity in coming to the courthouse, bald from chemotherapy, ready to roll. In March, Judge Moawad will celebrate eight years since her last chemotherapy treatment. Tyler Waud is an example of the program's potential. But when she became the presiding judge of the mental health court and competency dockets in 2018, she quickly realized the need to expand her understanding of the mental health care opportunities and challenges for people in the criminal justice system. was Multnomah County Courthouse | 971-274-0500. But one of Matarazzo's colleagues says that was insufficient warning. They can't state that any DA in the state is doing anything or operating in any way other than in accordance with the law.". a and I don't hurt people. For decades, prosecutors held the upper hand. 495 NE Beech Ave., Gresham OR 97030, Open. In a 40-minute conversation, the county's top prosecutor explained that he planned to ask the court to remove Matarazzo from a case his office was prosecuting. As a child, Brown recalled witnessing her single mother struggle to raise her and her sister on her own. Our team works with communities across the country to support law enforcement leaders and officers to improve their responses to this growing population. She says she did so because she believes an offender will either successfully complete the requirements with the extension or will end up with a conviction. maternal Already very suspicious of the court system (he identified himself as posse comitatus), he questioned the courts authority, he questioned the courts rules, and he started filming the staff at the counter. Division. "Obviously, when he says, 'We won't appear before you,' that's not a trivial act," Jones says. Gov. Seeing their resolve to impact social issues inspired her to apply to law school. Cancer, '' says Deputy District Attorney Kirsten Snowden is like a firehose ; you manage... Like a firehose ; you cant manage everything than Id like, but were moving ( ). 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