Two Broward County judges challenged in Aug. 26 election

The problem with our legal system is no one takes responsibility for making a determination whether defendents found "not guility" are safe to be released back into society. The whole of a defendent's criminal life should be on trial, not just whether their latest crime can be proven. Clearly demonic dangerous sub-human creatures should not be released to endanger the rest of us just because the legal system failed to prove it case.

We don't need judges who are impartial, we need judges who can tell who needs to be in prision.

I totally agree that we don't want criminals on the street to prey on the innocent, but the law does not allow jurors to know the past evil acts of a defendant. It makes me sick that jurors can't know the person being tried for rape has been convicted of 3 other rapes, b/c it might taint the jurors' opinion about this particular case. It's totally unfair to the public and that's why we have so much garbage still on the street, but that is the way the law is written and judges cannot go against that. The laws are changed at a higher level and I agree that they need to be.

Did he ever think that maybe he got a cold reception because he was dressed improperly for court??? Judges are forgiving if those coming before them are not dressed formally, because they understand that not everyone can afford dress clothes if they don't otherwise have need for them, but attorneys are expected to dress in a way that is respectful to the Court. Richards' answers make him look like he's trying to ride the public opinion wave...if only he were truthful. We don't need another lying idiot on the bench, so Judge Avalos has my vote.

Immigration attorney???? ummm somehow that makes me a little uneasy....if you have ever read any of their ads, justice and the American way flies out the window...I am all for booting out the old and in with the new....but Immigration attorney???????
The one thing we need more than ever are judges that have the kahunas to deport the criminal elements clogging up our system at every turn...can a former Immigration attorney really do this????????

What has Richards done for our community? Avalos has had a long history of giving of herself to bar organizations and protecting the people of this community. She is homegrown Broward County and her husband puts his life on the line every day protecting us as a BSO Deputy. She was a well respected Supervising Assistant State Attorney here in Broward and not a short timer in Dade County where Richards left on short notice before his 3 year commitment was up. Did the job get too tough? Check out the Broward County Bar Poll 2008. Mr. Richards, you aren’t raising money because you aren’t qualified for this position. Mr. Richards why have you not been showing up at forums and letting the folks ask you questions? Being a judge is about the community and not about you getting a substantial raise in salary. It is disgusting but it appears you are running against Judge Avalos because of her last name. Something about a pot and a kettle... Judge Judge Avalos is a fine lady and a well respected member of this community with a proven track record. The voters can see for themselves.“A” for Avalos all the way.
http://judgecatalinaavalos.com/
www.ianrichards.org/about.php

I researched a little on Richards, most Broward attorneys consider him a carpetbagger from Dade, has no real experience and gives him practically no chance of winning....I also looked for his ad and couldnt find it, maybe not enough coffee yet, either way, I am literally afraid of Immigration attorneys.....they are slithery

Valigator wrote:

Immigration attorney???? ummm somehow that makes me a little uneasy....if you have ever read any of their ads, justice and the American way flies out the window...I am all for booting out the old and in with the new....but Immigration attorney???????
The one thing we need more than ever are judges that have the kahunas to deport the criminal elements clogging up our system at every turn...can a former Immigration attorney really do this????????

Immigration attorney....that would be a no for me....they fight for the illegal alien scum we all want to get rid of....

Knowing that Jeb appointed them is enough for me to vote for the other guy

they candidates can't be honest....... they are member of THE BAR.......... and self-regulated by the JQC......... umpires and referees can't associate with the teams they officiate.......... yet lawyers and judges sleep with each other right before hearings that are supposed to be ''on the merits''......... ex-judge jay spechler is suing to be restored to the brothel.

Valigator wrote:

I researched a little on Richards, most Broward attorneys consider him a carpetbagger from Dade, has no real experience and gives him practically no chance of winning....I also looked for his ad and couldnt find it, maybe not enough coffee yet, either way, I am literally afraid of Immigration attorneys.....they are slithery

.......... all lawyers are slimy thieves........ THE BAR insists on it........ adria quintela,michael hamaway, rhonda hollander and anthony horky are among the most dishonest.

As a 30 year plus resident of Broward County, I truly believe that everyone of these Broward Judges be subject to a psychological exam and have a civilian review board read the complaints of citizens who have been subject to the disrespect, condescending and sometimes illegal treatment of this group, both civil and criminal. I say everyone because it appears that the recent scrutiny and actions of some have left most people wondering about their competency and motives. It appears that a superficial review of the last 10 years alone would leave people to believe that there exists a need to review our Judges more closely and on a regular basis to ensure unbiased decisions

6 years out of law school!?!?!? I dont think so Ian Ricahrds. What makes you think you are qualified?

Why are you hiding from us Ian Richards??

And by us I mean every voter west of the Turnpike and North if I-595 in Broward County?

You've been invited to every Democractic Club meeting out in Western Broward but failed to show.

You go on radio and lie and say you weren't invited.

Why are you afraid to let the voters in the Western part of the County get to know who you are?

Oh, I know.....it's because you are a 32 year old with 5 years of experience as a lawyer, the BARE MINIMUM to even qualify to run for judge.

Maybe it's because you don't want people to know you've handled all of 15 cases in your entire career in the County you wish to serve as judge -- and many of those were traffic tickets.

Maybe it's because you are a MIAMI-DADE lawyer with a MIAMI-DADE office and have NO TIES WHATSOEVER to our community.

Just because you have a generic name (Ian Richards) you think you call fool the voters of Broward County into voting for an unexperienced state attorney washout with no real practice who is looking to upgrade his salary on the taxpayer's nickel.

Not gonna happen.

If I'm treated as a second-class citizen in your campaign, not worthy to know you or see your face, how would I be treated in your courtroom?

Enough said.

Go back to Miami and Miramar.

Ellen Feld- the only reason you picked Judge Gonzalez- is because you think he is an easy name to pick on. Shame on you for playing race politics. He is an excellent Judge.

broward resident wrote:

Ellen Feld- the only reason you picked Judge Gonzalez- is because you think he is an easy name to pick on. Shame on you for playing race politics. He is an excellent Judge.

He is an excellent Judge. I have been in his court room although not for myself but as a witness. I found this man had compassion, understanding, the ability to listen and not judge due to appearance. He allowed everyone to talk and say what they had to with respect. I hope he stays as Judge. I am a woman and unfortunately I think a woman judge would be more critical in this court room. Keep Gonzalez he is good.

Ian Richards is Black. We have only 3- Black judges on the Broward bench. We need more diversity. county court is the "people's court". It can be and should be a little less tense than circuit. With the landslide for OBAMA about to begin in Democratic Broward County I would love to see a black man also become judge here as well as a black American become president. GHANGE !!! Besides, Alveros was an affirmmative action appointment too. Who cares if her husband is a cop. Cops get indicted and imprisoned everyday in this county. It's Broward...... When you vote for Obama look down and vote for Richrads in the ballot.

we need more asian judges, history has taught us that wisdom comes from people of asian heritage.

We need more Aborigines, Hindus and Muslims too.

Response to Tony wrote:

I totally agree that we don't want criminals on the street to prey on the innocent, but the law does not allow jurors to know the past evil acts of a defendant. It makes me sick that jurors can't know the person being tried for rape has been convicted of 3 other rapes, b/c it might taint the jurors' opinion about this particular case. It's totally unfair to the public and that's why we have so much garbage still on the street, but that is the way the law is written and judges cannot go against that. The laws are changed at a higher level and I agree that they need to be.

You guys are making too much sense! The system has broken down. For instance, a cop spots a vehicle that was used in 5 robberies. They pursue the vehicle and arrest the occupants. Unless you can pin all 5 robberies on them, you can't tell a jury that was the reason for the stop. The court won't allow it thus YOU ARE LYING when you say it was a stolen car or whatever and not the real reason. It's B.S. you have to chose your words carefully and this is where the system has gone amok. The jury should know what happened. It's bull that a witness's charcter can be broken down in court but unless the defendant testifies, they are pretty much untouchable and the prosecutors have to stick to the script.

We also need a civilian review board to investigate judicial misconduct. The JQC is a joke! They forced the CRB's on the cops, now it's time to be placed on judges and lawyers. That's the only way the public will ever have any confidence in the judicial system. As it is now, lawyers make decisions on other lawyers. You need an outside independent agency.

And they also need the strict certification standards like those imposed on cops. Lawyers get found guilty of miscounct and they get a slap on the wrist, usually a reprimand or beirf suspension of their license to practice law whereas a cop would get their certification pulled for less offenses.

Howard Finklestein is a perfect example. His license to practice law should've been pulled for life. He's an officer of the courts for Christsakes! Yet he gets a 2 years suspension and eventually becomes the Public Defender? That's B.S.!

The difference is Obama is not hiding but is running on his platform and ideas - not trying to bamboozle the public with a stealth campaign.