In this race for Division 8, you are going to hear candidates talking about ‘trial experience.’ Some of my opponents have almost none. Some candidates have decades of it. I’ve handled multiple Criminal and Civil jury trials as both lead and second chair in both State and Federal Courts. But I want to tell you a hard truth about “Trial Experience” ⚖️
A jury trial is not the ultimate goal of the criminal justice system. In reality, a trial represents a maximum use of resources for a minimum amount of closure for everyone involved. Trial experience is a minimum qualification for this job—but it is not a statistic to brag about.
If my client chooses to go to trial, it is my job to present their defense. To me, this means I couldn’t reach a resolution for my client. It means I failed to manage my client’s expectations. Or that I failed to help my client fully understand the severe consequences that they are facing. These aren’t my cases to brag about—this is my client’s life. Success is finding a disposition that brings closure, meets the rule of law, and protects rights for my client and all stakeholders.
I also have a perspective that I believe no other candidate has: I have had the unique honor of serving on a jury myself. I was impaneled with members of the public. I watched a group of everyday citizens commit to doing their assignment in a fair, just, and honest manner. It was an inspiring and humbling experience to see behind the scenes of my life’s work.
I bring this experience up every time I try a case, and every time I speak to my clients. Because it reminds me that in order to have the best justice system in the world, we need to respect all of the stakeholders in the process.
⚖️We have a Federal Task Force in Our Community; We need a Federal Trial Attorney on Our Bench. I am the only candidate who can bring Private Sector Business Experience to solve the Public Sector Bureaucratic Backlog. I have Protected the Rights of the People of Shelby County for nearly 20 Years. If you are a Registered Voter, then you are STAKEHOLDER in the Future of Shelby County. Make Your Voice Heard: Vote for Candidate for Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Ruchee Patel.
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