Drug Treatment Court, Presiding Judge

Balancing Justice and Rehabilitation: Reflections from the Drug Treatment Court Bench

It is one thing to rule on civil matters where money is the common exchange. But, it has been my experience in criminal court as a trial judge, a Drug Treatment Court Judge, and a Presiding Judge, that has expanded my understanding of interaction of an individual citizen’s Constitutional rights contrasted with the rights and needs of the public to be protected. Sentencing requires a unique consideration of public protection, victim’s rights and the obligation to fairly and impartially impose sanctions that appropriately  match the offense committed while still taking into account the defendant’s remorse, repentance and need for and steps taken with respect to rehabilitation. It can be a bit of a tight-rope to walk, but, corresponding with individuals both while and after their incarceration has given me a deeper perspective of what one individual called the “gift of desperation” when all other aspects of their life were out of control.

Waukesha County Drug Treatment Court 7th Year Anniversary Celebration, March 27, 2019. As the Drug Treatment Court Judge, I deemed it was important to reach out to local legislators (on both sides of the aisle) and to community leaders to explain the importance of and heart-rending impact that Drug Treatment Court has had over the last seven years.  See attached.