Four candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for Hancock County Superior Court 1 in the June 2 primary. The candidates are Marie Castetter, Cody Coombs, D.J. Davis and Jessica Lacy. Here, in their own words, are the candidates’ responses to a series of questions posed by the Daily Reporter about their qualifications and the experiences that have shaped their careers.
What do you perceive as the greatest obstacles to justice, if any?
Justice is hindered by the high cost of legal services; the inefficiencies of courts; and the lack of automatic right to counsel in many common cases such as custody, debt issues, housing, etc. The cost of legal services continues to rise, and courts haven’t historically assessed attorney fees when orders are violated. The inefficiencies of the court docket cause delays in resolving cases, increasing costs, and creates a lack of faith in the court system. Lastly, a lack of awareness of a person’s legal rights and procedures makes it difficult for people to represent themselves.
Do you believe that all citizens have adequate access to legal help and the legal system? If not, what can be done to provide wider and better access?
No. There is not enough legal aid or low-cost fees in our community to give everyone proper legal representation. I routinely receive calls from people who want to ask a legal question and I do not require an appointment, but rather allow the person calling to ask their questions at no cost. Encouraging more members of the local bar to accept the pauper rate ($100/hr.) on certain cases would allow more citizens to receive legal representation at a lesser cost. This is something I have practiced for several years for people with lower income or younger adults.
As a prospective judge, what do you consider your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
My greatest strengths are my desire to help others, being creative and adapting to each situation. I have an extensive legal background spanning 22 years that gives me the knowledge and skills to be part of the judiciary. My passion to do my best for my client sometimes has caused me to spend more time on a case, resulting in me being overprepared.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your legal career? In your personal life?
Legal: Winning two Level 5 felony jury trials within 30 days. They were on Dec. 11, 2018, State v. Richard Jason Long, a Level 5 Felony battery case in Hancock Circuit Court; and on Jan. 6, 2019, State v. Harold LeRoy Bryan Jr., a Level 5 Cumberland bank robbery in Hancock Superior 1. A lot of time, creativity and preparation resulted in justice being served.
Personal: Growing up, my parents instilled values in me of doing what is right and helping others around me. Over the past 30 years, I have been maintaining these two values. I believe in doing so I have gained the respect and loyalty of many.
Describe the most difficult case in your legal career.
In December 2015 I was appointed to represent Jesse Rodarmel in a Johnson County Level 1 Felony child molestation case by Judge Terry Snow. From the numerous trips to the Johnson County jail; the magnitude of evidence against Mr. Rodarmel; the statements Mr. Rodarmel made under oath; the lack of evidence obtainable for the defense; and the inability under the law to use certain evidence; it was a very difficult case to defend. While Mr. Rodarmel was ultimately found guilty, Judge Snow praised both the deputy prosecutor and me for an excellent job at trial.
What is your vision for the future of our judicial system: What changes would you advocate and why?
Courts need to become more customer-focused. Judges are to impartially apply the laws of the state and nation, to remain free from undue influence, prejudices, and to be neutral to all parties involved. Courts need to be accessible, and people simply want to be treated fairly. One way to do this is with creating and expanding problem-solving courts like my proposed Behavioral Health Court and Veterans Treatment Program. To do this in all cases, courts must treat attorneys, parties, victims, witnesses, etc., as court customers, which will help result in case specific orders that fit each case.
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Age: 47
Party: Republican
Office sought: Judge, Hancock Superior Court 1
Political experience: Elected Greenfield city councilman in District 5 in 2003; won a second term as an at-large candidate in 2007; served on Greenfield Area Plan Commission 2008-2011; candidate for Hancock County Circuit Court judge in 2018.
Family: Wife, Heather; two sons
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