NC District Court, District 10 C, Seat 3: Renee Jordan

Name as it appears on the ballot: Renee Jordan

Age: 46

Party affiliation: Democrat 

Campaign website: www.reneejordanforjudge.com

Occupation & employer: Law Office Renee S. Jordan

1. Please tell us what in your record as a public official or private citizen demonstrates your ability to be effective, fair, and impartial on the bench? Please be specific. What do you believe qualifies you to serve as a district court judge?

I have worked as a criminal defense attorney for over 18 years, serving indigent clients and our marginalized communities.  My representation of clients ranges from those with charges from misdemeanor traffic offenses, restoration of driver’s license to major felonies, including property crimes and violent crimes, including murder charges.  In my capacity as a defense attorney, I have had the opportunity to come in contact with people from all walks of life in their most vulnerable time of need.  I have always made it a priority to treat each of my clients with the dignity, integrity, and compassion they deserve as fellow humans.  I have a deep understanding, both analytically and practically of North Carolina case law, statutes, rules of evidence, and procedure.  In addition, I recognize the importance of actively listening to the specific facts of the case, but taking into consideration the defendant’s life experiences and other factors, such as mental health issues, drug dependency, early childhood victimization, exposure to gang influence, housing and food insecurities, when fashioning more equitable outcomes for all.

2. How do you define yourself politically? How does that impact your judicial approach?

As a judge, I must and will act fairly and impartially to all people who come before me, absent any political ideologies or agenda.  My approach would mirror the way I live my life and conduct myself as a defense attorney.  I would treat each person that comes before me, whether a defendant, victim, juvenile, parent, party to divorce, custody, or other civil matters with dignity, compassion, and respect.  As an elected judge for Wake County, I will always remember that this seat belongs to the people and I would steadfastly uphold the United States Constitution, the North Carolina Constitution, and the statutes as required and in accordance with my oath of office.

3. What do you believe are the three most important qualities a judge must have to be an effective jurist?

I believe that the three most important qualities that a judge must have are integrity, dignity for all people without prejudice or bias, and compassion for all parties involved in the legal process.

4. In a sentence, how would you define your judicial philosophy?

My judicial philosophy is that all judges should hold the highest degree of integrity, compassion, and dignity as it relates to all people that come before the court, work within the court system, and depend on the judiciary to anchor a feeling of equity and equality within the community at large.

5. Black North Carolinians are incarcerated at six times the rate of whites. How do you see your responsibility as a judge in addressing racial inequity in the justice system?

My many years of experience in the courtroom has given me a front row seat into the issues of racial disparity as it relates to incarceration, which particularly impact our Black and Brown communities.  As a judge, I would always look at each case individually with integrity and compassion, incarceration being the last option.  I would carefully monitor the cases coming before me, making sure that negotiated pleas in my courtroom were consistent and free of bias most particularly across racial lines. As a criminal defense attorney, I have a deep understanding of the North Carolina sentencing guidelines, along with the factors of mitigation and aggravation.  With this specialized knowledge, I would be uniquely situated to work within my capacity as a judge for outcomes that promote equality and equity for all Wake County citizens and their family.

6. Do you believe the cash bail system is in need of reform? What changes do you believe are necessary to ensure those accused of crimes are not incarcerated due to their inability to afford bond? What factors do you consider when determining the bond amount?

Yes, I believe in bail reform.  In North Carolina for purposes of considering a bond amount, a judge must take into consideration the defendants’ likelihood to appear in court on the required setting, and the potential harm to the community if released. Although these two factors seem logical and clearcut, the outcomes that follow from these factors are often financially devastating to those who have less resources.  This promotes a system where release is based on wealth and ability to pay a bond.  Pre-sentencing incarceration often can lead to the loss of employment, loss of housing, and food insecurity for the defendant or their family.  This is often the unintended consequence of setting bonds without understanding the defendant in front of you.  I would strongly encourage pre-trial release in cases of nonviolent crimes.  I would routinely review bonds for defendants that have been in custody for more than 60 days making sure the state is prioritizing the cases of those defendants in custody, and most particularly I would consider financial impact as a factor in making my determination for secured bonds.

7. Do you support restorative justice practices prior to sentencing? If so, how would you seek to implement those practices in your capacity as a judge? Which types of cases do you think should be eligible? 

I absolutely support restorative justice practices as it proactively supports rehabilitation through responsibility as opposed to incarceration.  As a judge, I would like to work with the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, the Defense Bar and other experts, in creating Restorative Justice circles to establish a special court that deals with cases where the victims are willing to engage in the process of restorative justice, and the defendants are willing to participate.  I see the practice of restorative justice as being beneficial in cases, most particularly in juvenile court, and some domestic violence cases to name a few.  A system of Justice that implores precepts of responsibility and restoration leads to less recidivism and a society that is anchored in compassion and dignity for all people.

8. Do you support mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes, such as low-level drug offenses? Why or why not? 

As a judge you are required to follow the law and the sentencing guidelines.  Within those guidelines, incarceration should be the last resort.  When it comes to low level drug possession cases including felony possession cases a judge has the discretion to sentence something other than incarceration.  Our jail and prison population is very high and incarceration will not address the underlying issue of addiction.  As a Wake County District Court judge, I would use this discretion to provide alternatives to incarceration when it falls within the sentencing guidelines. 

9. Some district courts are implementing misdemeanor diversion programs for young and/or first-time offenders. Do you believe programs like these are effective?

I do believe that misdemeanor diversion programs for young and/or first-time offenders are very effective and provides a young individual the opportunity to not carry the burden of having a criminal record.  I also believe that it is also important to look at programs that can help some of our repeat offenders that suffer from drug addictions, and mental health issues.  Wake County has Recovery Court, which is a wonderful program that helps defendants that suffer from drug addiction.  This program focuses on recovery for these individuals instead of incarceration.  I believe Wake County also needs a similar program for our citizens who suffer from mental health issues and find themselves in the court system.  

10) In many cases, voters know very little about the judges they are electing. Tell us something about yourself that our readers may be surprised to learn.

One interesting fact about myself is that I am very passionate about raising awareness for childhood cancer research.  When my close friend’s son was diagnosed and later lost his life to Glioblastoma, a form of Brain Cancer, I started to become very passionate about raising awareness for all forms of childhood cancer research.  I have helped to raise 10s of thousands of dollars for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a charity committed to supporting childhood cancer research, including shaving my head 3 different times to help raise awareness.

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