Home › Forums › Open Discussion › Judge Ronald Kessler
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July 12, 2013 at 8:18 pm #608200
ricoMemberWith respect to the recent bail decision https://westseattleblog.com/2013/07/bail-reduced-for-vehicular-assault-suspect-in-17thcambridge-crash#comment-1054293
How do we recall a judge, is it possible?
Do judges have a boss we as citizens can express concern with over a judges decision?
And why am I not able to easily see previous decisions by a judge during re-elections?
Something feels very wrong with this man. He seems unqualified.
July 12, 2013 at 9:34 pm #793465
charlabobParticipantRico, check out this article in the times: http://tinyurl.com/mhdk58r
Judge Kessler is at least transparent about how he works and the constraints of the system. Most states, including Wa., have fairly strict guidelines for judges.
I’m sure there is a recall process — don’t know what it is but, in general, it’s good to reserve recall for egregious (repeat) cases.
July 12, 2013 at 11:03 pm #793466
EdSaneParticipant@Rico, you cannot punish people prior to them being convicted of a crime. Bail is just a means to compel a person into the courtroom. Please read up on this.
July 12, 2013 at 11:39 pm #793467
KatherineLParticipantrico, I sympathize with your frustration, but Judge Kessler isn’t the proper scapegoat. I worked with him off and on before he went to Superior Court. He’s very knowledgeable of the law, construes it strictly and even-handedly.
Keep in mind that if some people aren’t allowed to get out of jail by posting bail, the jail can’t hold them all. The alternative is to build more jails – difficult and expensive. More jails mean more jail guards necessary, with more salaries, benefits and pensions.
Also keep in mind that while not everyone reoffends who gets out before trial, everyone kept in jail has to be fed and given medical treatment if necessary.
It’s expensive to keep people in jail. Who do you think pays for it?
July 12, 2013 at 11:47 pm #793468
Georgia MomMemberhttp://fellowshipofminds.wordpress.com/tag/superior-court-judge-ronald-kessler/
I did a search because I remembered the name – I don’t know anything about this site.
July 13, 2013 at 3:58 am #793469
EdSaneParticipant@KatherineL and Georgia Mom, accusation of a crime is not conviction. If the judge fails to uphold the law they are holding the state open to actual litigation regardless of guilt…Just because someone appears guilty with the facts presented by the police and news media does not equate to a fair trial under the law. We don’t jail people because of an accusation. Feel free to complain about lenient sentencing. Just research ‘bail’ before posting about it as if you’re knowledgeable on the subject.
July 13, 2013 at 4:17 am #793470
JanSParticipantEdSane…I just read KatherineL and Georgia Mom’s posts…and I don’t believe either took the stance about conviction that you mentioned. I’m willing to bet they know the distinction between ccused and convicted. You would have been given bail, too. King County jail cannot hold everyone who is accused indefinitely….hence, the bail…
and for the record…I know the family of the young man injured. I would like to see this woman pay dearly for what she did.
July 13, 2013 at 4:29 am #793471
EdSaneParticipant@JanS, so we set bail low because of the cost of ‘jailing’ someone or because of their constitutionally protected rights? She also stated that not everyone ‘reoffends’ while out on bail. It is implied that the accused is already guilty ergo they have already offended. As you also implied in your post. Guilty prior to prosecution and conviction. Georgia Mom also posted an article albeit without an opinion regarding a sex offender who allegedly assaulted someone while on bail. It still fails to address the function of ‘bail’ in American society and continues this idea that if ‘accused’ therefore guilty as you yourself already demonstrated this very prejudice. It does a great disservice to our court system in my opinion.
July 13, 2013 at 6:15 am #793472
Georgia MomMemberEdSane,I was posting a link about the Judge – I didn’t say anything about bail, yet you presume to tell me about researching about it. You have no idea what I do for a living, or what knowledge I do have, yet you choose to lecture me about law in a condescending manner. Maybe you should take the time to read the post, instead of reading into it.
July 13, 2013 at 8:22 am #793473
JanSParticipantEdSane…you are reading something into my post that isn’t there. I implied nothing.
July 13, 2013 at 12:08 pm #793474
EdSaneParticipantOh please. JanS you already believe that the accused is guilty prior to conviction.
@Georgia Mom, I apologize for assuming you were unaware of the court system. In my response to JanS, I clarified my point regarding your post. I stand by that statement.
July 13, 2013 at 2:04 pm #793475
Talaki34ParticipantA little reading.
http://www.heritage.org/constitution/#!/amendments/8
http://law.justia.com/constitution/us/amendment-08/01-excessive-bail.html
http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/content/pdf/mediaguide.pdf
http://www.kings.courts.ca.gov/depts/criminal/Bail%20Schedules/Felony_Bail_Schedule.pdf
http://www.kings.courts.ca.gov/depts/criminal/Bail%20Schedules/Misdemeanor_Bail_Schedule.pdf
July 13, 2013 at 2:37 pm #793476
JoBParticipanteverybody thinking everybody else is too stupid to figure this out will not make for a conversation that creates understanding among the participants or that enlightens those who really don’t know how our court system works.
the standard in our law is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. thus, if you are not a flight risk as proven by past flight or current illegal associations or at high risk of re-offending as proven by previous convictions you are offered bail.
this lessens the governments expense of incarceration of those not convicted, protects the public’s interest by requiring a financial penalty if the accused does not show up for court and extraordinary means of recapturing those who flee through the bail bonds system and allows those accused to participate freely in their defense.
In too many cases, the court of public opinion makes incarceration a better option for someone accused who is actually guilty of their crime.. and they get the added bonus of time served when sentenced…
but most people who face certain conviction choose freedom before trial to put their affairs in order… all in all a good thing for the public
thus sayeth JoB ;->
who should edit for grammar but is going to go take a hot bath instead….
July 13, 2013 at 3:28 pm #793477
JanSParticipantEdSane..whether I feel that this particular woman (who was caught red-handed)is guilty or innocent was not verbalized by me. She is still entitiled to bail. Period. And she will have her day in court. But, please, don’t tell me what I said or didn’t say.
Of course, you’ve had the perfect life, never, ever thinking someone was guilty or innocent before they had their day in court. I get that.
But you took it upon yourself to call me out…wow….
July 13, 2013 at 4:53 pm #793478
ReedDogMemberJanS, you stated in your first response that you believe this woman should pay dearly for what she did; this is a clear statement on your opinion of her guilt. Not sure why you are arguing the point here
July 13, 2013 at 4:57 pm #793479
ricoMemberAdmittedly I have little knowledge of the details of bail etc.
And living a worklife embroiled in details I completely understand how knowing the details and history can allow one to more greatly understand the reason for the “way things are”.
Regardless, I am voting against any judge who has an opponent exhibiting a more reasonable, less sappy, approach.
And Kessler is one of the first that needs to go.
There are others, shall we start a list.
July 14, 2013 at 4:10 am #793480
JanSParticipantEdSane…I have no use for anyone who drives under the influence and causes such a horrific accident.From a previous WSB story:”The female suspect/ driver was processed and booked into King County Jail for DUI – Vehicular Assault.”
She critically injured two persons…so condemn me if I think she’s guilty…so do the police.
She still has a right to bail…now let’s see if this person actually shows up for her court appearance.
I won’t argue this any more…she flunked the drunk test…go give her the hard time :)
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