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  • Know Your State Judges | Judicial Elections in Illinois

    Know Your State Judges provides an informative and unbiased voter education resource for about Illinois Judicial Circuit Court candidates for election and retention outside of Cook County. Our Mission Know Your State Judges is dedicated to helping the voters of Illinois make decisions they believe in and giving equal voice to judicial candidates regardless of favor or funding. Common Questions: Who funds my judges? Learn More In Illinois, judges are appointed, elected, or retained. Voters elect or approve judges on very little information compared to other elected officials. However, judges are extremely impactful on everyone's lives. Decisions are made on every level from local judges making sentencing decisions and marital or liability determinations to constitutional or civil rights determinations on the appellate or state level. Thus, the quality and credibility of judges, locally, divisionally, and statewide, becomes even more important. Know Your State Judges is dedicated to helping the voters of Illinois make more informed decisions when they vote for their judges.

  • Rosenbaum, Randy

    v Hon. Randy Rosenbaum Republican 6th Judicial Circuit Court Judge At Large < Back EXPERIENCE 6th Judicial Circuit Judge, 2016 - Present (Appointed 2016, Elected 2018) Chief Judge, 2021 Champaign County Public Defender 1996 - 2016 Private Practice 1994 - 1996 New York City Legal Aid Society, 1991 - 1994 EDUCATION Undergraduate: Northwestern University, B.S. Communication Studies - 1987 Law School: University of Illinois College of Law, J.D. - 1991 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS Illinois State Bar Association and 6th Circuit Joint Judicial Advisory Polls: Randy Rosenbaum: Recommended Criteria Score Meets Requirements Of Office 92.25 Integrity 92.96 Impartiality 92.96 Legal Ability 94.41 Temperament 95.04 Court Management 89.93 Health 97.01 Sensitivity 96.38 Number of Respondents 144 CAMPAIGN FINANCE Top Donors: Donor Total donated Latest date Randall Rosenbaum $40,000.00 Apr 12, 2017 Randall & Jill Rosenbaum $20,000.00 Oct 16, 2018 Marla Israel $1,000.00 Sep 12, 2018 Harold Jensen $1,000.00 Jan 31, 2018 Harriet and Sherman Susman $1,000.00 Jul 02, 2018 Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ How Judicial Advisory Polls Work In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The poll is conducted by email and mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election or a judge seeks retention. Licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential and returned inside a ballot envelope which is mailed in a Teller envelope. A certification slip stating that the participant read and understood the instructions of the poll is signed in order for the ballot to be counted. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 65 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 65 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys. Following are the questions asked on the poll. Please note that questions on Temperament and Court management differ for those seeking a judicial vacancy and those seeking retention. Clarification of those differences are noted below. Meets Requirements of Office: (Recommendation) Considering the qualifications of the candidate, do you believe this candidate meets acceptable requirements for the office? Integrity Adhere to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office? Impartiality Act and rule impartially and free of any predisposition or improper influence? Legal Ability Have adequate legal experience, knowledge, and ability? Temperament for a judicial vacancy: Exercise appropriate temperament with courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? for judicial retention: Exercise the judicial temperament to serve with appropriate courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? Court Management for a judicial vacancy: Attends to all professional responsibilities including the management of cases/clients, and completes work in a prompt and skillful manner? for judicial retention: Diligently and promptly attend to the duties of the office and assure the steady progress of court business? Health Have the physical, mental and emotional health, stamina and stability needed to perform judicial duties? Sensitivity to Diversity and Bias Conducts self and deals with others appropriately to reduce or eliminate conduct or words which manifest bias based on race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status against parties, witnesses, counsel or others?

  • Weber, Christopher L

    h Hon. Christopher L. Weber Democrat 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge Crawford County Back EXPERIENCE 2nd Judicial Circuit Judge, 2006 - Present ( Elected 2006 / Retained 2012, 2018) Private Practice, 1994 - 2006 EDUCATION Undergraduate: University of Illinois, B.S. - 1991 Law School: University of Illinois, J.D. - 1994 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS Illinois State Bar Association and 2nd Circuit Joint Judicial Advisory Polls: Christopher L. Weber: Recommended Criteria Score Meets Requirements Of Office 96.15 Integrity 96.15 Impartiality 96.15 Legal Ability 96.15 Temperament 96.15 Court Management 96.15 Health 96.08 Sensitivity 96.00 Number of Respondents 54 CAMPAIGN FINANCE Top Donors: Donor Total donated Latest date Christopher Weber $38,000.00 Oct 16, 2006 Wanda Weber $3,500.00 Aug 24, 2006 Frank Weber $3,500.00 Aug 24, 2006 Crawford County Democratic Central Comm $2,337.50 Oct 20, 2006 Hoosier Outdoor $1,119.00 Aug 30, 2006 Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ How Judicial Advisory Polls Work In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The poll is conducted by email and mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election or a judge seeks retention. Licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential and returned inside a ballot envelope which is mailed in a Teller envelope. A certification slip stating that the participant read and understood the instructions of the poll is signed in order for the ballot to be counted. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 65 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 65 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys. Following are the questions asked on the poll. Please note that questions on Temperament and Court management differ for those seeking a judicial vacancy and those seeking retention. Clarification of those differences are noted below. Meets Requirements of Office: (Recommendation) Considering the qualifications of the candidate, do you believe this candidate meets acceptable requirements for the office? Integrity Adhere to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office? Impartiality Act and rule impartially and free of any predisposition or improper influence? Legal Ability Have adequate legal experience, knowledge, and ability? Temperament for a judicial vacancy: Exercise appropriate temperament with courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? for judicial retention: Exercise the judicial temperament to serve with appropriate courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? Court Management for a judicial vacancy: Attends to all professional responsibilities including the management of cases/clients, and completes work in a prompt and skillful manner? for judicial retention: Diligently and promptly attend to the duties of the office and assure the steady progress of court business? Health Have the physical, mental and emotional health, stamina and stability needed to perform judicial duties? Sensitivity to Diversity and Bias Conducts self and deals with others appropriately to reduce or eliminate conduct or words which manifest bias based on race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status against parties, witnesses, counsel or others?

  • Jim Giacone

    Jim Giacone Republican Party Winner 47.48% - (2863 of 6030) Primary votes 2nd Circuit - Franklin County <Primary Candidates <General Candidates EXPERIENCE Private Practice: 1998 - Present EDUCATION Southeast Missouri State University: B.S., B.A., Business Administration, Cum Laude - 1995 University of Missouri: J.D. - 1998 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS Illinois State Bar Association & Franklin County Bar Association's Joint Advisory Committee Result: Jim Giacone – Insufficient number of responses <Primary Candidates <General Candidates CAMPAIGN FINANCE Total contributions since April 1, 2023: $57,750 Top 5 Donors Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ Donor Total amount Latest Date Jim Giacone $30,000 1/2/2024 Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C. $11,000 2/6/2024 Rich Rich Cooksey & Chappell $11,000 2/6/2024 Ron Giacone $2,000 12/28/2023 Anna Marie Giacone $1,000 1/29/2024 ENDORSED BY: No endorsement information is available at this time. This list does not include individual politician or community leaders, but those organizations that have a defined process for endorsing all types of judicial candidates. For a more complete list of all endorsements, click on the "Campaign Website" button below. Campaign Website Attorney Disciplinary Reports Public Record of Discipline and Pending Proceedings None ARDC

  • Hon. Kate Watson

    Hon. Kate Watson Republican Party Winner 100% (1,663 of 1,663) Primary votes < Candidate 6th Circuit - Douglas County EXPERIENCE 6th Judicial Circuit Court Judge: 2023 - Present Appointed 2023 Douglas County State's Attorney: 2016 - 2023 Douglas County Assistant State's Attorney: 1996 - 2016 Private Practice: 1993-96 EDUCATION University of Colorado Boulder: B.S. Journalism and Mass Communication- 1990 University of Illinois John Marshall School of Law: J.D. - 1993 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS Illinois State Bar Association's Advisory Committee Result: Kate Watson – Recommended Number of Respondents 72 Criteria Score Meets Requirements Of Office 93.06 Integrity 95.77 Impartiality 92.86 Legal Ability 94.29 Temperament 95.83 Court Management 97.06 Health 100 Sensitivity 92.75 < Candidate CAMPAIGN FINANCE Total contributions since April 1, 2023: Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ Top 5 Donors No financial information is available at this time. ENDORSED BY: No endorsement information is available at this time. This list does not include individual politician or community leaders, but those organizations that have a defined process for endorsing all types of judicial candidates. For a more complete list of all endorsements, click on the "Campaign Website" button below. Some candidates have not published a campaign website yet. Campaign Website Attorney Disciplinary Reports Public Record of Discipline and Pending Proceedings None Look Up Attorney Disclipline History

  • Raccuglia, Cynthia M

    zk Hon. Cynthia M. Raccuglia Democrat < Back 13th Judicial Circuit Court Judge At Large EXPERIENCE 13th Judicial Circuit Judge, 1995 - Present (Elected 1995 / Retained 2000, 2006, 2012, 2018) Associate Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit, 1991- 1995 Private Practice, 1981 - 1991 EDUCATION Undergraduate: St. Mary's College, B.A. - 1978 Law School: Northern Illinois University, J.D. - 1981 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS Illinois State Bar Association and 13th Circuit Joint Judicial Advisory Polls: Cynthia Raccuglia: Recommended Criteria Score Meets Requirements Of Office 83.75 Integrity 90.24 Impartiality 89.02 Legal Ability 90.00 Temperament 90.12 Court Management 81.01 Health 75.32 Sensitivity 95.06 Number of Respondents 82 CAMPAIGN FINANCE Top Donors: No information available at this time Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ Judicial Inquiry Board Complaint Summary 65. 99-CC- 2 Filed June 29, 1999: Cynthia Raccuglia, Circuit Judge, 13th Circuit, LaSalle County The Complaint alleged that Respondent had been drinking alcohol and was under the influence of alcohol at a time when she was stopped by a law enforcement officer, that Respondent failed field sobriety tests, and Respondent refused to take a breathalyzer test. The Complaint also alleged that Respondent communicated information to law enforcement officers, which she knew or should have known would be perceived by the officers as an effort to use her judicial office to influence the officers to not charge her with a traffic violation. The Respondent and the Board agreed to a Stipulation of Facts. The Board stipulated that the clear and convincing evidence did not establish that Respondent intended to use her judicial office to influence the actions of the officers. Respondent stipulated to and admitted each of the remaining allegations of fact contained in the Board's Complaint and admitted that she violated the Code of Judicial Conduct. Based upon the Stipulation, the Board and Respondent submitted a joint recommendation that the Illinois Courts Commission impose the discipline of reprimand. Order entered October 9, 2001: Joint Stipulation and Recommendation adopted. Respondent reprimanded. Click Here for Full Decision How Judicial Advisory Polls Work In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The poll is conducted by email and mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election or a judge seeks retention. Licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential and returned inside a ballot envelope which is mailed in a Teller envelope. A certification slip stating that the participant read and understood the instructions of the poll is signed in order for the ballot to be counted. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 65 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 65 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys. Following are the questions asked on the poll. Please note that questions on Temperament and Court management differ for those seeking a judicial vacancy and those seeking retention. Clarification of those differences are noted below. Meets Requirements of Office: (Recommendation) Considering the qualifications of the candidate, do you believe this candidate meets acceptable requirements for the office? Integrity Adhere to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office? Impartiality Act and rule impartially and free of any predisposition or improper influence? Legal Ability Have adequate legal experience, knowledge, and ability? Temperament for a judicial vacancy: Exercise appropriate temperament with courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? for judicial retention: Exercise the judicial temperament to serve with appropriate courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? Court Management for a judicial vacancy: Attends to all professional responsibilities including the management of cases/clients, and completes work in a prompt and skillful manner? for judicial retention: Diligently and promptly attend to the duties of the office and assure the steady progress of court business? Health Have the physical, mental and emotional health, stamina and stability needed to perform judicial duties? Sensitivity to Diversity and Bias Conducts self and deals with others appropriately to reduce or eliminate conduct or words which manifest bias based on race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status against parties, witnesses, counsel or others?

  • Morgan, Melissa

    g Hon. Melissa Morgan Democrat 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge At Large Back EXPERIENCE 2nd Judicial Circuit Judge, 2006 - Present (Elected 2006 / Retained 2012, 2018) Chief Justice - 2022 - Present Private Practice, 1997 - 2006 EDUCATION Undergraduate: John A. Logan College, Law School: Southern Illinois University, J.D. - 1997 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS Illinois State Bar Association and 2nd Circuit Joint Judicial Advisory Polls: Melissa Morgan: Recommended Criteria Score Meets Requirements Of Office 70.69 Integrity 82.14 Impartiality 75.86 Legal Ability 72.88 Temperament 68.97 Court Management 75.86 Health 91.38 Sensitivity 83.64 Number of Respondents 61 CAMPAIGN FINANCE Top Donors: No information available at this time Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ How Judicial Advisory Polls Work In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The poll is conducted by email and mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election or a judge seeks retention. Licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential and returned inside a ballot envelope which is mailed in a Teller envelope. A certification slip stating that the participant read and understood the instructions of the poll is signed in order for the ballot to be counted. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 65 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 65 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys. Following are the questions asked on the poll. Please note that questions on Temperament and Court management differ for those seeking a judicial vacancy and those seeking retention. Clarification of those differences are noted below. Meets Requirements of Office: (Recommendation) Considering the qualifications of the candidate, do you believe this candidate meets acceptable requirements for the office? Integrity Adhere to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office? Impartiality Act and rule impartially and free of any predisposition or improper influence? Legal Ability Have adequate legal experience, knowledge, and ability? Temperament for a judicial vacancy: Exercise appropriate temperament with courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? for judicial retention: Exercise the judicial temperament to serve with appropriate courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? Court Management for a judicial vacancy: Attends to all professional responsibilities including the management of cases/clients, and completes work in a prompt and skillful manner? for judicial retention: Diligently and promptly attend to the duties of the office and assure the steady progress of court business? Health Have the physical, mental and emotional health, stamina and stability needed to perform judicial duties? Sensitivity to Diversity and Bias Conducts self and deals with others appropriately to reduce or eliminate conduct or words which manifest bias based on race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status against parties, witnesses, counsel or others?

  • Webber, Roger B

    u Hon. Roger B. Webber Republican 6th Judicial Circuit Court Judge At Large < Back EXPERIENCE 6th Judicial Circuit Judge, 2016 - Present (Appointed 2016, Elected 2018) Associate 6th Circuit Judge, 2014 2016 (Appointed 2014) Private Practice, 1990 - 2014 Douglas County Assistant Sate's Attorney, 1986 -1990 Champaign County Assistant Public Defender, 1984 - 1986 EDUCATION Undergraduate: Illinois State University, B.S. in Business Administration - 1980 Law School: DePaul University College of Law, J.D. - 1983 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS Illinois State Bar Association and 6th Circuit Joint Judicial Advisory Polls: Roger B. Webber: Recommended Criteria Score Meets Requirements Of Office 89.36 Integrity 93.71 Impartiality 90.85 Legal Ability 90.91 Temperament 92.36 Court Management 86.43 Health 94.20 Sensitivity 93.43 Number of Respondents 145 CAMPAIGN FINANCE Top Donors: Donor Total donated Latest date Roger Webber $40,200.29 Aug 25, 2018 Katherine Webber $708.73 Aug 25, 2018 Michael & Nancy Mahoney $500.00 Jul 10, 2018 Robert & Thelma Webber $500.00 Sep 21, 2018 Joanne Durkee $400.00 Sep 21, 2018 Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ How Judicial Advisory Polls Work In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The poll is conducted by email and mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election or a judge seeks retention. Licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential and returned inside a ballot envelope which is mailed in a Teller envelope. A certification slip stating that the participant read and understood the instructions of the poll is signed in order for the ballot to be counted. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 65 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 65 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys. Following are the questions asked on the poll. Please note that questions on Temperament and Court management differ for those seeking a judicial vacancy and those seeking retention. Clarification of those differences are noted below. Meets Requirements of Office: (Recommendation) Considering the qualifications of the candidate, do you believe this candidate meets acceptable requirements for the office? Integrity Adhere to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office? Impartiality Act and rule impartially and free of any predisposition or improper influence? Legal Ability Have adequate legal experience, knowledge, and ability? Temperament for a judicial vacancy: Exercise appropriate temperament with courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? for judicial retention: Exercise the judicial temperament to serve with appropriate courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? Court Management for a judicial vacancy: Attends to all professional responsibilities including the management of cases/clients, and completes work in a prompt and skillful manner? for judicial retention: Diligently and promptly attend to the duties of the office and assure the steady progress of court business? Health Have the physical, mental and emotional health, stamina and stability needed to perform judicial duties? Sensitivity to Diversity and Bias Conducts self and deals with others appropriately to reduce or eliminate conduct or words which manifest bias based on race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status against parties, witnesses, counsel or others?

  • Hon. Scott M. Belt

    < Candidates Hon. Scott M. Belt Independent Candidate General Election Only Prmary Gen. Candidates 13th Circuit - Grundy County EXPERIENCE Associate Judge 13th Circuit - 2020 - Present (Appointed 2020 / Reappointed 2023) Private Practice 1990-2020 Morris City Attorney 2001-2020 Deputy Sheriff Grundy County EDUCATION Western Michigan Tom Cooley Law School, J.D, cum laude, 1990 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS 2024 Illinois State Bar Association's 13th Circuit Advisory Committee Result: Recommended Number of Respondents 67 Meets Requirements Of Office 94.03 Integrity 95.45 Impartiality 95.52 Legal Ability 94.03 Temperament 94.03 Court Management 87.88 Health 98.48 Sensitivity 96.97 Prmary Gen. Candidates CAMPAIGN FINANCE Total contributions since April 1, 2023: $85,536.66 Top 5 Donors: Donor Total donated Latest date GIS Benefits, Inc. $13,700.00 Jul 05, 2024 D Construction $10,000.00 Aug 13, 2024 Mark Mettille $6,900.00 Jul 05, 2024 Carson Tap House Inc. $5,000.00 Mar 08, 2024 International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 PAC $4,922.50 Apr 03, 2024 Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ ENDORSED BY: No endorsement Information is available at this time. This list does not include individual politician or community leaders, but those organizations that have a defined process for endorsing all types of judicial candidates. Campaign Website Attorney Disciplinary Reports Public Record of Discipline and Pending Proceedings None Look Up Attorney Disclipline History

  • Chmiel, Michael J

    zzg Hon. Michael J. Chmiel Republican 22nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge At Large < Back EXPERIENCE 22nd Judicial Circuit Judge, 2006 - Present (Elected 2006 / Retained 2012, 2018) 19th Judicial Circuit Judge, 2004 - 2006 (Appointed 2004) Private Practice, 1992 - 2004 Law Clerk, United States Bankruptcy Court, 1990 - 1992 EDUCATION Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame, B.S., Economics and Business Administration - 1987 Law School: University of Illinois College of Law, J.D. - 1990 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS Illinois State Bar Association and 22nd Circuit Joint Judicial Advisory Polls: Michael J. Chmiel: Not Recommended Criteria Score Meets Requirements Of Office 61.11 Integrity 71.96 Impartiality 64.49 Legal Ability 75.68 Temperament 54.87 Court Management 75.00 Health 89.52 Sensitivity 71.96 Number of Respondents 114 CAMPAIGN FINANCE Top Donors: Donor Total donated Latest date Chmiel & Associates P.C. $3,363.92 Apr 26, 2005 Eric H. Jostock Attorney at Law $2,500.00 Dec 06, 2005 Marie M. Chmiel $2,107.96 May 18, 2005 A. Robert Abboud $1,000.00 May 13, 2005 J.R. Davis $750.00 Oct 10, 2005 Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ Judicial Inquiry Board Complaint Summary 80. 08-CC-1, Filed February 25, 2008: Michael J. Chmiel, Circuit Judge, 22nd Circuit, McHenry County The Complaint alleged that on Saturday, June 16, 2007, Judge Michael J. Chmiel ("Respondent"), a juvenile-court judge not on duty that day, was told by Robert Miller – a friend, former client, and political ally – that Miller's brother David had been arrested that morning on felony charges and would have to remain in jail until the following Monday absent a special bond hearing. In response, Respondent agreed to preside over such a special bond hearing, thereby enabling David Miller to be released on bond that same day. In addition, the Complaint alleged that subsequent public outcry of political favoritism for the locally-powerful Miller family caused Respondent's fellow circuit judges to inquire into the reasons why Respondent had held such a hearing; in response, Respondent failed to disclose Robert Miller's involvement. The Complaint further alleged that later, on October 12, 2007, during sworn testimony before the Board regarding the aforementioned special bond hearing, Respondent made false and misleading statements, and otherwise failed to disclose Robert Miller's involvement in causing that hearing to have occurred. Order entered November 19, 2010: Conduct of Respondent in holding a bond hearing on June 16, 2017 created the appearance of impropriety. The Board did not prove by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent committed actual impropriety by conducting the June 16, 2007 bond hearing, engaged in ex parte communication or gave false and misleading testimony to the Board. Respondent reprimanded. Click Here for Full Decision How Judicial Advisory Polls Work In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The poll is conducted by email and mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election or a judge seeks retention. Licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential and returned inside a ballot envelope which is mailed in a Teller envelope. A certification slip stating that the participant read and understood the instructions of the poll is signed in order for the ballot to be counted. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 65 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 65 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys. Following are the questions asked on the poll. Please note that questions on Temperament and Court management differ for those seeking a judicial vacancy and those seeking retention. Clarification of those differences are noted below. Meets Requirements of Office: (Recommendation) Considering the qualifications of the candidate, do you believe this candidate meets acceptable requirements for the office? Integrity Adhere to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office? Impartiality Act and rule impartially and free of any predisposition or improper influence? Legal Ability Have adequate legal experience, knowledge, and ability? Temperament for a judicial vacancy: Exercise appropriate temperament with courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? for judicial retention: Exercise the judicial temperament to serve with appropriate courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? Court Management for a judicial vacancy: Attends to all professional responsibilities including the management of cases/clients, and completes work in a prompt and skillful manner? for judicial retention: Diligently and promptly attend to the duties of the office and assure the steady progress of court business? Health Have the physical, mental and emotional health, stamina and stability needed to perform judicial duties? Sensitivity to Diversity and Bias Conducts self and deals with others appropriately to reduce or eliminate conduct or words which manifest bias based on race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status against parties, witnesses, counsel or others?

  • Noland, Michael J

    zq Hon. Michael J. Noland Democrat 16th Judicial Circuit Court Judge At Large < Back EXPERIENCE 16th Judicial Circuit Judge, 2018 - Present (Elected 2018) Illinois State Senator, District 22, 2007 - 2017 Assistant Public Defender, Kane County, 2000 - 2002 Private Practice, 1999 - 2018 United States Navy, 1985 - 1993 Hospital Corps EDUCATION Undergraduate: Elgin Community College, A.A.S - 1985 Undergraduate: University of Illinois, B.A., Liberal Arts and Sciences and Geography - 1993 Law School: University of Illinois - Chicago, John Marshal Law School, J.D. - 1996) Graduate: University of Illinois, M.B.A. - 2000 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS Illinois State Bar Association and 16th Circuit Joint Judicial Advisory Polls: Michael J. Noland: Not Recommended Criteria Score Meets Requirements Of Office 36.54 Integrity 61.44 Impartiality 52.63 Legal Ability 32.48 Temperament 61.39 Court Management 50.63 Health 73.65 Sensitivity 65.79 Number of Respondents 165 CAMPAIGN FINANCE Top Donors: Donor Total donated Latest date Michael J. Noland $15,713.00 Sep 10, 2024 Lawrence Quick $1,500.00 Jul 19, 2024 Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council $500.00 Apr 11, 2024 Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ How Judicial Advisory Polls Work In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The poll is conducted by email and mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election or a judge seeks retention. Licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential and returned inside a ballot envelope which is mailed in a Teller envelope. A certification slip stating that the participant read and understood the instructions of the poll is signed in order for the ballot to be counted. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 65 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 65 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys. Following are the questions asked on the poll. Please note that questions on Temperament and Court management differ for those seeking a judicial vacancy and those seeking retention. Clarification of those differences are noted below. Meets Requirements of Office: (Recommendation) Considering the qualifications of the candidate, do you believe this candidate meets acceptable requirements for the office? Integrity Adhere to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office? Impartiality Act and rule impartially and free of any predisposition or improper influence? Legal Ability Have adequate legal experience, knowledge, and ability? Temperament for a judicial vacancy: Exercise appropriate temperament with courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? for judicial retention: Exercise the judicial temperament to serve with appropriate courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? Court Management for a judicial vacancy: Attends to all professional responsibilities including the management of cases/clients, and completes work in a prompt and skillful manner? for judicial retention: Diligently and promptly attend to the duties of the office and assure the steady progress of court business? Health Have the physical, mental and emotional health, stamina and stability needed to perform judicial duties? Sensitivity to Diversity and Bias Conducts self and deals with others appropriately to reduce or eliminate conduct or words which manifest bias based on race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status against parties, witnesses, counsel or others?

  • Yoder, William A

    zh Hon. William A. Yoder Republican 11th Judicial Circuit Court Judge McLean County < Back EXPERIENCE 11th Judicial Circuit Judge, McClean County, 2018 - Present (Appointed 2018 / Elected 2018) Associate Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit, 2011 - 2018 (Appointed 2011 / Reappointed 2015) State's Attorney, McClean County, 2002 - 2011 Private Practice, 1985 - 2002 EDUCATION Undergraduate: Purdue University, B.S. - 1982 Law School: University of Illinois at Chicago John Marshall Law Schoo, J.D. - 1985 RATINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS Illinois State Bar Association and 11th Circuit Joint Judicial Advisory Polls: William A. Yoder: Recommended Criteria Score Meets Requirements Of Office 93.33 Integrity 94.62 Impartiality 88.76 Legal Ability 96.81 Temperament 90.43 Court Management 98.92 Health 98.90 Sensitivity 91.46 Number of Respondents 96 CAMPAIGN FINANCE Top Donors: Donor Amount Donated Latest Date of Donation Bill Yoder $26,122.59 Mar 01, 2005 All-Brite Signs $15,000.00 Feb 10, 2004 Varney Reception $4,905.00 Nov 15, 2007 Stephen W. Snyder $3,231.80 Mar 07, 2004 Daniel Rich $3,200.00 Apr 22, 2005 Read more on Illinois Sunshine → https://illinoissunshine.org/ How Judicial Advisory Polls Work In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The poll is conducted by email and mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election or a judge seeks retention. Licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential and returned inside a ballot envelope which is mailed in a Teller envelope. A certification slip stating that the participant read and understood the instructions of the poll is signed in order for the ballot to be counted. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 65 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 65 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys. Following are the questions asked on the poll. Please note that questions on Temperament and Court management differ for those seeking a judicial vacancy and those seeking retention. Clarification of those differences are noted below. Meets Requirements of Office: (Recommendation) Considering the qualifications of the candidate, do you believe this candidate meets acceptable requirements for the office? Integrity Adhere to the high standards of integrity and ethical conduct required of the office? Impartiality Act and rule impartially and free of any predisposition or improper influence? Legal Ability Have adequate legal experience, knowledge, and ability? Temperament for a judicial vacancy: Exercise appropriate temperament with courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? for judicial retention: Exercise the judicial temperament to serve with appropriate courtesy, consideration, firmness, fairness, patience and dignity? Court Management for a judicial vacancy: Attends to all professional responsibilities including the management of cases/clients, and completes work in a prompt and skillful manner? for judicial retention: Diligently and promptly attend to the duties of the office and assure the steady progress of court business? Health Have the physical, mental and emotional health, stamina and stability needed to perform judicial duties? Sensitivity to Diversity and Bias Conducts self and deals with others appropriately to reduce or eliminate conduct or words which manifest bias based on race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or socio-economic status against parties, witnesses, counsel or others?

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