Chris Easthope
Experience matters, and Chris Easthope is the only candidate for 15th District Court Judge who is a full-time trial court attorney, elected official, and lifelong Ann Arbor resident...more>>
Issues
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A candidate may not make a pledge or promise during a campaign of conduct in office other than the faithful and impartial performance of the duties of the office. - Judicial Cannon 227; Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct 7B(1)(c) |
As your 15th District Court Judge, Chris Easthope will work to make a positive difference in people’s lives. He will look for alternatives to incarceration that help protect our community while reducing corrections costs. As a full-time trial court attorney, elected official, and lifelong Ann Arbor resident, Chris has unmatched experience that will allow him to hit the ground running as an effective, fair, and impartial Judge his first day on the job.
About the District Court
The 15th District Court serves the City of Ann Arbor, and includes three judges, one magistrate judge, a probation department, and court records and administration staff.
In 2007, the 15th District Court handled more than 35,000 cases, including more than 3,300 civil cases, 27,000 traffic/criminal cases, and over 900 felony preliminary examinations. The Court handled over 9,000 misdemeanor arraignments and pre-trials, 197 jury selections, 400 trials, 1,196 sentencings, and 275 probation violation hearings.
The District Court’s jurisdiction includes:- Landlord/tenant cases
- Small claims cases (under $3,000)
- General civil cases (under $25,000)
- Traffic/criminal cases, including motor vehicle civil infractions
- Misdemeanor criminal cases, including aggravated domestic violence, aggravated stalking, and certain drunk driving offenses
- Preliminary examinations in all felony cases
- Three specialized Court dockets: the Domestic Violence docket, the Sobriety Court, and the Street Outreach Court
Chris Easthope has experience in all of these areas of the 15th District Court docket.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a serious problem in every community, including Ann Arbor. It affects relationships, children, and the workplace. The next Judge of the 15th District Court must be prepared to play a pro-active role to protect victims of domestic violence and provide the necessary support services to the family. Our top priority must be to protect the victim from future violence.
Alcohol & Drug Crimes and the Sobriety Court
Many people charged with a crime in the 15th District Court may have an underlying substance abuse problem. A Judge must be able to recognize these problems and fashion a remedy that addresses these unique cases. Incarceration should be a last resort for non-violent offenders whenever possible.
As an Ann Arbor City Councilman, Chris Easthope helped create the 15th District Court Sobriety Court. The Sobriety Court reduces the recidivism rate in our community by helping people charged with drunk driving offenses change their lifestyle and conquer their addiction. As a 15th District Court Judge, Chris will continue his support of the Sobriety Court and other programs that help non-violent offenders make a positive contribution to the community.
Fairness
As a full-time trial court attorney who has handled over 60 civil and criminal trials, Chris Easthope understands firsthand the importance of experience and fairness in the courtroom. A Judge must be fair and impartial to all parties. Chris will use his unmatched experience to ensure the efficient and fair administration of justice for all Ann Arbor residents.