League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Santa Clara County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Annrae M. Angel Answers Questions Candidate for Judge - Superior Court; County of Santa Clara; Office 24

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of Santa Clara County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. As a judge, you may be called on to impose sentences for crimes ranging from misdemeanors to homicide. While there are sentencing parameters and guidelines, you will have latitude. What factors and principles/values will affect your decisions?

Each case is individual and as a judge I will evaluate the facts and the law as the parties appear before me. I will be a judge who is willing to do the work necessary to be fully versed on the issues. I will strive to be the kind of judge that I would like to appear before: Fair, impartial, patient, attentive, respectful, hard working, prepared, knowledgeable, clear and articulate.

In criminal cases people should be held accountable if the facts are proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and then all appropriate aggravators and mitigators should be considered while imposing sentences.

In civil, family, probate, etc., the standard is different, but the same principals apply. Listen to all the evidence and apply the law to the facts to rule on the issues.

2. Please describe your experience in civil and criminal cases.

For twenty-one years I have worked as a courtroom criminal defense attorney in San Jose representing hundreds of people from the diverse communities in Santa Clara County. I help my clients understand their circumstances and options. I see each person as an individual and every case as unique.  I evaluate facts and provide the best possible representation. I believe that finding just solutions for individuals contributes to a more just society.  I am a diligent and dedicated attorney and I will be a diligent and dedicated judge. 

I was an intern while in college and a summer law clerk while in law school for the Sonoma County District Attorney's. I practiced civil litigation after law school. I have devoted my career to protecting peoples' constitutional rights. My current practice is includes homicides and gang cases. I have been a criminal defense attorney in Santa Clara County since 1993.

3. Would you propose any changes to assure that there is no appearance of bias in the courtroom including, but not limited to, bias based on disability, gender identity, age, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation?

As a judge I will be a public servant who maintains order, fairness and justice for all people who enter the courtroom. I will ensure that the courtroom process is fair and impartial. I will guarantee that all present, plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses, lawyers and court staff are treated with respect and dignity.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Please answer each question in no more than 400 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 23, 2014 18:58
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