Cook County judges assigned to criminal courts at 26th and California are up for retention in the current election cycle. They must earn a 60% “yes” retention vote to keep their jobs for another six years. Here is a breakdown of some of the judges in question:
Judge Michael McHale has been serving since 2006 and made headlines earlier this year for calling a Cook County assistant state’s attorney a liar and barring her from his courtroom. Known for handing out longer sentences than his colleagues, McHale’s decisions have been closely scrutinized.
Ramon Ocasio, a judge for 18 years, recently raised eyebrows with a dissenting opinion on whether a woman accused of stabbing her boyfriend to death should be kept in jail pending trial. His decisions, including giving a recognizance bond to a man charged with murder while on bail for another crime, have sparked debate.
David Navarro, a former judge in the Pretrial Division, is temporarily assigned to an appellate court position. Navarro’s bail decisions have been under the spotlight, with over 300 stories detailing his rulings. Despite mixed opinions, Navarro’s decisions have been deemed fair and consistent.
Judge Joanne Rosado, serving since 2017, has had some notable cases during her tenure. Her approach to sentencing and bail decisions has been met with varying opinions from the legal community and the public.
Arthur Willis, a judge since 2018, was known for his compassionate approach to defendants in the Pretrial Division. His efforts to provide resources and guidance to those in need of help have earned him praise from some quarters.
Mary Brosnahan, a judge for 24 years and a supervising judge in the criminal division, has been recognized for handing out longer sentences compared to her colleagues. Her decisions have been a topic of discussion among legal experts and the public.
Erica Reddick, a judge since 2018, has been criticized for her tendency to hand out shorter or softer sentences compared to her peers. Despite this, Reddick’s decisions have been consistent and fair, according to some observers.
Michael Clancy, a judge since 2011, has faced scrutiny for his sentencing decisions, with some cases resulting in controversy. His recent decision to release a man who later committed a violent crime has raised questions about his judgment.
Adrienne Davis, a judge since 2017, has had a relatively short tenure on the bench. Her decisions and approach to cases have been closely monitored, with opinions divided on her performance.
As the election cycle progresses, voters will have the opportunity to evaluate these judges based on their track record and performance in the courtroom. It is essential for voters to stay informed and make informed decisions when casting their ballots for judicial retention.
