My core values and vision provide a framework for our 21stcentury criminal justice system of Jefferson County. While recognizing that we live in the most vibrant, culturally rich, and promising county in Alabama, we must protect our neighbors and victims of crimes, hold perpetrators responsible for crimes committed, and help offenders return to society as productive citizens. Please partner with me to build upon the excellent work that has been initiated by my esteemed judicial colleagues as we transform our Jefferson County criminal justice system into an exemplar for counties across our country.
I am running for 10th Judicial Circuit Court Judge, Criminal Division, Place 3 to be the judge who will stand for honesty, integrity, and equality and lead us to real action to do right by any Jefferson County (Jeffco) citizen who is involved with our criminal justice system.
Equally as important, I am running to ensure that justice is blind and that any citizen of our community who acts outside of the laws of the state of Alabama and the United States constitution is held accountable for their actions through our criminal justice system.
Finally, I believe that our promise to the next generation of citizens of Jeffco should be to build a county that is safe to live, work and play; a. county that is better tomorrow than it is today.
FIRST RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
Attorney Lee was born in Calera, AL to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Lee. He is the oldest of five children. Attorney Lee attended Calera High School and received a BS degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Juris Doctorate from Birmingham School of Law.
He has two young adult children and resides in Trussville, AL with his wife, Dr. Loretta Taylor Lee.
As a law enforcement officer for 20 years and now a defense attorney for almost 10 years, I have the unique experience of connecting with people “where they are” . So I am running for Circuit Court Judge, Criminal Division because I believe first, that you have to understand who people are. Second, we need a judge in this seat who has worked with and has the experience of working with all types of people, “where they are.” And this applies to all races/ ethnicities, genders, and orientations, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
We should remember that “attorney-at-law,” municipal court judge, or special appointed judge are not the only experiences that matter. Between my colleagues and I who are seeking this judgeship there is over 30- 40 years of criminal justice system experience on the Democratic Party ticket and yet where are we with crime rates today in the largest city in Jefferson County. Although, violent crime rates have decreased under the leadership of Mayor Woodfin, Sherriff Pettway and Chief Smith, we still have some work to do. I have the experience of public service, working side by side with fellow sheriff’s deputies and officers (i.e. boots on the ground) to keep our county and other metropolitan areas safe. I have the experience of defending the defenseless and yes, sometimes the offender in a court of law. But that is what makes our county great, citizens from Jeffco believe that everyone is entitled to a fair trial and justice is blind. This is why even with our rich cultural diversity in Jeffco we are one county and one people. And if you will honor me with your vote I will interpret and apply the law with honesty and integrity, while remembering my belief in equality for all individuals who come before my court, and not based on socioeconomic status or any other factors but the AL and U.S. constitutions.
I want to be a role model for all young boys and men of Jeffco. Right now, when we look at statistics on gun violence in our county the majority of these crimes are committed by young boys and young men. These individuals need strong male role models who can show them that they do not have to hate but rather can have a path forward in today’s society.
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