Incumbent State Court judge Rob Alexander says sentencing is tough in his court with those who fail probation going to jail. His opponent in the July 31 election, Jeff Perry, said there is a “revolving door” in the court and changes need to be made in sentencing.
The two candidates spoke at a political forum June 23 in Nicholson.
The first question was whether sentencing is tough enough.
“I do think there is a problem in State Court in sentencing,” Perry said. “To be able to effectively sentence, it needs to be done in a way so that the criminals will not become recidivists and have a revolving door that is the courthouse. It is a problem that can be solved with effective sentencing.”
Alexander replied: “I disagree with my opponent. There is not a problem with sentencing. I’m not really sure his frame of reference since I believe he has only been in my court two times in the past 15 months. I encourage you to ask, not me, but people who are in my court on a daily basis. The solicitor is here. Judge Chandler is here. Clerk Thomas is here. Ask those people how we are treating criminals. You show up in my court and you are on probation and you fail a drug test, you go to jail.”
The candidates were also asked how much latitude is given to judges in sentencing.
Alexander: “In most cases, there is a maximum of 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine, plus surcharges. So, there is a wide latitude and discretion. The judge can use discretion in most cases to sentence you to zero to a year. There are some mandatory minimums, such as DUIs.”
Perry: “I think there is a great deal of latitude. In some instances, it might be too much. In others, not so. That is why I think it is imperative that before you elect someone as judge you know what their experience is and how they plan to handle sentencing.”
Background, Experience
During the opening statements, the two candidates spoke on their legal background and personal lives.
Alexander: “My wife, Laurie, and I have been married for 13 years. She is a special education teacher at Jefferson. We have two children. Professionally, I graduated from Presbyterian College with high academic honors that earned me a full scholarship to UGA Law School. I also graduated with high academic honors and also was selected to be a member of the Georgia Law Review, one of the most competitive academic honors you can get while in law school. Judicially, I clerked for Judge David Motes in Jackson County for two years while in law school. I’ve been a municipal court judge in Jefferson since 2003. About 15 months ago, I was recommended by a panel of the top judges and lawyers from across the state for this position and was honored to have been selected by Gov. Deal to be State Court judge.”
Perry: “I’m an attorney in Commerce. I practice law with my father and have been for nine years. He has been at it for 38 years. I grew up in Commerce. I’m a lifelong resident of Jackson County. I went to the University of Georgia for my undergraduate degree and Georgia State College of Law for my law degree. I’m married to Leigh Ann, a third grade teacher at Banks County. This entire race can be summed up in four words — experience, dedication, efficient and effective.”
