was "I needed a change," she says. Multnomah Bar Association LSAT Preparation Course Scholarship - Apply Now! Active in civic life, Judge Moawad has previously served on multiple bar committees, and the boards of Mentor Minds Matter and Camp Rosenbaum. Telephone and online services available. We work with corrections administrators in all 50 states to help develop comprehensive plans to combat those challenges. 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. Matarazzo says she hopes to find some kind of compromise with Underhill so she can go back to trying criminal cases. 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. and 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. In 2007, Patricia took a break from practicing law and traveled to Europe, something she had never done before. Multnomah County Department of Community Justice Family Court Services toggle Menu 503-988-3189 TTY Relay Service: 711 Direct services to parents and others include: Intake Services Online Services and Resources Because if there's any truth to that statement, you don't belong on the bench.". "She's an excellent judge," Durham says, "and an excellent student of the law.". Multnomah County Courthouse | 971-274-0500. MFA Assessment and Referral Center |503-988-3081, Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program (MCJRP), Assessment & Evaluation residential program, Court and Community Supervision Services, Victim and Survivor Services (503-988-7606). I wanted to be able to explain to somebody who is being sent to the hospital for restoration, for example, what thats going to look like.. But there are people who worry that DAs have so much discretion that they control the justice system.". In 1995, voters approved Measure 11, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain violent crimes and thereby limiting judicial discretion. Elections for the Multnomah County Circuit Court (Oregons fourth judicial district) were unusually dynamic. And shortly after Underhill announced the impending memo removing her from all criminal cases, she lost the vote for Multnomah County presiding judge to her colleague Stephen Bushong. Fleming If this happens and decisions are reached even if not in their favor, they feel it was a fair decision. [3] SRG Partnership was the lead architect, and Hoffman Construction Company lead contractor, both Portland based. In 2008, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in Boumediene v. Bush, holding that held detainees at Guantanamo had a right to file petitions for habeas corpus. The work had lifelong impacts on her as a person and as a lawyer. She went beyond, engaging with her clients and their families to achieve a result that allowed them the opportunity to address underlying issues that led to their involvement in the criminal justice system. Multnomah County Courthouse 1200 SW 1st Ave Portland, OR 97204 Phone 971-274-0570 Telephone hours are 8:30-10:30 am & 1:30-4:30 pm. All Rights Reserved. I have the ability to bring that perspective to my work. Weekend Lobby Hours Change at Inverness Jail Effective February 4. His office also works closely with the court on treatment courts for drug and alcohol addicts and people suffering from mental illness. "A result of this could be that judges will feel pressure not to disagree too much or too often with the DA's office.". for With that skill, she moved on to a job in the Port of Portland for a company performing ship repairs. Complaints that Matarazzo failed in three cases to impose the mandatory 90-day jail sentence for offenders convicted of three DUIIs in a 10-year period. If fundraising was any indicator, it was clear that both candidates really wanted the job, which pays about $154,700 a year. Judicial Profile: The Honorable Patricia McGuire - Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Lee Ann Donaldson, Court Liaison Committee Tuesday, April 21, 2020 It was a regular Friday afternoon at the Multnomah County Courthouse in the spring of 2018. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the UnitedStates. Seeing their resolve to impact social issues inspired her to apply to law school. That is in adherence to the law. And, as mentioned above, Judge Baggio carried into her private practice principles she embraced from her experience representing Nazar Gul. She earned endorsements from Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, former state senator Avel Gordly, and Portland city councilors Jo Ann Hardesty and Amanda Fritz. General information: 971.274.0500 Jury service Judges Civil Criminal Family Parking Small Claims Small Estate Traffic OJD Courts ePay, online payment system Senior Program Associate, Behavioral Health, Elizabeth She worked the federal class-action civil rights suit that uncovered the Portland Police Bureaus pattern of using excessive and unconstitutional force against people with mental illness. photography University The man started crying out of frustration and fear, but he was still angry, too. One power district attorneys retain, however, is the blanket affidavit. Matarazzo says she's come to believe that incarceration is often less effective than treatmentand she's voiced that view aggressively. Waud says DISP saved his life and allowed him to rebuild a relationship with his daughter. But in Matarazzo's case, Underhill went nuclear. In effect, Underhill had sidelined an independently elected member of another branch of government who did not work for him. The new Multnomah County Courthouse on SW 1st Ave opened October 2020. Judge Moawad is excited for the opening of the new courthouse and to see how the new space will allow the court to achieve better efficiency and results, particularly in high-volume courts. Former Supreme Court Justice Robert "Skip" Durham says Matarazzo would have made a strong addition to the court. joining She must walk the line of helping solve their problems, providing all the available options, but not giving legal advice. John Kitzhaber to District 4, Position 12. Each year, millions of people return to their communities from jail or prison. Gul had worked as a guard for the Karzai government in the town of Gardez. 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. She worked for an architect as a graphic designer and was able to read blueprints. Multnomah Bar Association LSAT Preparation Course Scholarship - Apply Now! Gov. People come into court one way and then they may leave another. Washington She describes civil law as fascinating and looks forward to being assigned more civil trials and motions in the future. Youve got to think long term. Matarazzo thinks the bad publicity may have interfered with her getting the Supreme Court appointment from Gov. 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. New Matarazzo's disagreements with prosecutors extend beyond opinions about incarceration and sentencing. Prosecutors and defense attorneys sometimes make such requests. He had failed to meet some DISP requirements, and Matarazzo could have tossed him in jail. "She's very insightful and very bright," says her former law partner Mike Gutzler. Because I am African American and partly because I am a native of Oregon, I can bring all these different perspectives to the bench. Judge Alexander felt called to serve because he wants to make a positive difference in the lives of people who come before the court. But while her candidacy was pending, Matarazzo allowed a nine-time DUII offender to enter DISP. Underhill ran unopposed in 2012 and 2016. the Multnomah Bar Association 2023. 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. Brown, although the governor's office denies any connection. Judge Alexander started his legal career at the State Attorneys Office in the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Gainesville, Florida prosecuting misdemeanor and felony crimes. "The person who is supposed to be in control of the justice system," Parry says, "is the judge.". Does that mean he thinks Matarazzo is the least qualified member on the Multnomah County bench? Our team works with communities across the country to provide people with the reentry supports they need. "My efforts on behalf of the district attorney's office and as district attorney were not intended to be political or have political consequences," he says, "but instead intended to ensure fair and impartial trials.". over 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. 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. True to her Oregon nature, she did not enjoy the daily 75-degree days and she returned to Portland looking for her next career. Attend a free virtual webinar, training, or event. Justice ", "Once they've done this to one judge, any judge could be in the cross hairs," he says. To reduce overreliance on police officersparticularly as first responders to people in behavioral health crisismany communities are expanding their crisis response options. She has already conducted many criminal trials and recently conducted her first civil trial in an employment discrimination case. Midway through her tenure as a prosecutor, Judge Moawad had the opportunity to work as legislative counsel for the 2005 legislative session. Early returns showed about two-thirds of votes counted. We will treat you with respect. Visual project Network, from "I was a walking hurricane," he says. It's not just Rodthere are a handful of judges who have been affidavited around the state. Affidavits work differently from the justice system, in which the accused is innocent until proven guilty. This year, they increased the pace of reform, defelonizing personal possession of heroin and methand, in another blow to prosecutors, requiring the audio recording of all grand jury sessions. In the column at the far right, contact information for the subpoena clerk in the unit handling the case is shown. Family law is the most interesting law you can practice. Multnomah County voters chose Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian Brown in a competitive circuit court race in which she garnered 57% of the vote over opponent Rima Ghandour. She started clerking at Davis Wright Tremaine after her first year, returned after her 2L year, and received a job offer following graduation. provides 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. Center, the McGuire practiced family law with Andrew Bobzien at Bobzien McGuire from 2007 until 2013 and partnered with Loren Thompson at McGuire Thompson from 2013 until she was appointed to the bench in 2017. Our team works with states and local communities to reduce structural barriers and expand access to quality career technical education, training programs, and other workforce supports that increase employment opportunities for people with records. A lock icon ( ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. You might need to ask someone for assistance to figure out issues. "This imbalance gives DAs and prosecutors enormous control.". In 2006, three races were contested or competitive. Health Kevin Neely, who lobbies for the Oregon District Attorneys Association, says the practice is fair because both defense attorneys and prosecutors can affidavit judgesand it falls well within a DA's legal prerogatives. Our team works with jurisdictions across the country that are serving as laboratories for innovation to ensure that behavioral health crises receive the appropriate response. This hard work under extreme circumstances exposed her to the variety of social, political, and economic challenges that are confronted by Oregonians across the state. I needed something more.". But the DA's office was committed to following the law to the letter. The Improving Peoples Access to Community-Based Treatment, Supports, and Services grant program is expected to address a shortage of supports and services in local communities, from supportive housing to crisis stabilization units to medication and care coordination. Mr. Gul filed a pro se petition for habeas review of his detention at the US military base in Cuba. She and other DISP judges repeatedly asked legislators to relax the law for defendants in treatment court. She has been a judge for over two years, is the ninth African American to serve as a judge in Oregon and is the fourth African American woman judge when she was appointed by Governor Brown. (how to identify a Oregon.gov website) Maybe slower than Id like, but were moving. Matarazzo and other judges working on the DISP court saw the mandatory sentence as a barrier to getting defendants into the treatment court. Multnomah County Circuit Court toggle Menu 971.274.0500 The circuit court is a division of the Oregon Judicial Department. Portland, OR 97204. However, she remarked that her current role has given her newfound appreciation for the work that goes into quickly making decisions in a way that will keep a trial running efficiently. Lawyers routinely file affidavits on specific cases arguing that a judge is incapable of fairly trying that case, either because of a conflict of interest or a perceived bias. Telephone hours are8:30-10:30 am&1:30-4:30 pm. She was the middle child of three in a rather strict Catholic family. Her father worked in human resources with a large company and her mother was active in their neighborhood schools, church, and a variety of charitable organizations, including Ronald McDonald House Charities and Meals on Wheels. Longtime Portland criminal defense attorney Larry Matasar rented her an office in the American Bank Building, where she initially worked in a suite alongside Matasar, Dennis Balske, Stephen Brischetto, James Lange, Richard Maizels, and author Phillip Margolin, all of whom provided a wide array of expertise and a collegial environment. She says her goal is the fair administration of justice and to slow the revolving door of offenders who cycle through the courtrooms and jails. Learn And after 11 years on the bench, Matarazzo was also hoping for a major step up. Matarazzo tried to suspend, break up or offer alternatives to the sentences so that someone who had racked up a third DUII could still avoid jail and get treatment. "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.". Weekend Lobby Hours Change at Inverness Jail Effective February 4. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. writing, Underhill employs 81 prosecutors and has an annual budget of $32.9 million. Learn how, An official website of the State of Oregon, An official website of the State of Oregon , Sign-up For Text Message Hearing Notifications, Apply To Become a Pro Tem and/or Reference Judge, Southern Oregon Facilitation Initiative (SOFI), Behavioral Health/Justice System Leadership, Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability, Court Calendars and Live Stream Proceedings, Misdemeanor Procedures from Arraignment to Trial, Transfer of Misdemeanor Cases Between Central Courthouse and East County Courthouse (ECC). served At her investiture, her former colleagues spoke about her tenacious drive to protect the public and to pursue justice. 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. Judge Alexander's unique perspective - as a criminal prosecutor, in-house counsel, and private practice civil litigator . 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. He says Underhill's action sends a message to all judges. The previous building, a century-old courthouse, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. All Rights Reserved. Although DAs are elected officials, they rarely face challengers. Increasingly, law enforcement officers are the first, and often the only, responders to calls involving people with behavioral health needs. a She has a lot of compassion. Judge Waller has since taken her increased awareness of the challenges that people with mental health needs face in the criminal justice system and used it to help inform decisions intended to improve peoples outcomes. Deescalating his emotions was crucial for me, and I brought him into our office next to the trial court administrator. They got nowhere. Since the Underhill memo in June, Matarazzo has not been allowed to take on any criminal cases, which make up the majority of the work in the Multnomah County Courthouse. 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. 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. The county assessor valued it at $40 million, but estimated necessary upgrades for earthquake resistance at $70 million. Cesarean Division. See full Courthouse closure information on their website. 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. BFA Last year, county and court officials finished planning a new, $300 million building to replace the crumbling, century-old county courthouse. "It's very concerning.". "She'd have to follow the law and allow us to participate in the hearings," says Deputy District Attorney Kirsten Snowden. The suit led to the federal settlement that required the city to meet a list of police reforms. Of 14 Multnomah County judicial positions that were up for a vote this May or November, this is the only one that was contested. Judge Alexander felt called to serve because he wants to make a positive difference in the lives of people who come before the court. Judge Baggio left the FPDs office in 2013, to start a solo criminal defense practice. Judge Alexanders unique perspective - as a criminal prosecutor, in-house counsel, and private practice civil litigator - affords him the opportunity to make a daily impact on those who appear in his courtroom. While legal cases almost always result in one side prevailing over the other, Judge Baggio believes it of the utmost importance for the litigants appearing before her to leave the courthouse feeling that she listened carefully to them and that while they may not agree with her decision, they understand why she ruled the way that she did. After several minutes, one of the staff was able to find Judge Patricia McGuire. "In personal injury work, everyone you deal with is hurt. Open. Browse our library of video content from across the U.S. A disproportionate number of people in the criminal justice system struggle with substance use disorders, many of whom also have co-occurring mental illnesses. 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. But one of Matarazzo's colleagues says that was insufficient warning. Those listed include judges of the Oregon Supreme Court, the Oregon Tax Court, and the Oregon Court of Appeals at the state level. Underhill's office declined to say, but she is the only judge he has chosen to remove from all criminal and civil cases involving the state since taking office. It is helpful to give people an opportunity to be heard. in He says he's become a different person. These rules supplement the Uniform Trial court Rules (UTCRs). that aims to dramatically improve reentry success for people exiting prison and those under supervision. Brown has served as an assistant U.S. attorney in Oregon for 13 years, with a focus on civil rights enforcement. It draws from all the areas of law and you have to know about a lot of different things. 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. In the recent case of Synectic Ventures I, LLC v. EVI Corporation, 353 Or 62 (Dec . photographer The Multnomah County Circuit Court's DUII Intensive Supervision Program aims to divert repeat offenders into drug or alcohol treatment rather than locking them up. Reentry 2030 is a national initiative