NAME: Justin Champagne

 

AGE: 53

 

PARTY AFFILIATION:  Democrat, running for a non-partisan position

 

DAY JOB: Pro Tem Judge, Reno Municipal Court

 

EDUCATION: BA in Journalism, University of Nevada - 1996; Juris Doctor, University of Utah College of Law - 1999

 

HOW LONG YOU HAVE LIVED IN NEVADA:  Born and raised in Reno.  I’m a 4th generation Nevadan.

 

WRITE A BRIEF (TWO TO THREE SENTENCES) SUMMARY OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD ENABLE YOU TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THIS OFFICE: 

 

I have worked for 23 years in criminal law in every capacity:  I have been a public defender, a prosecutor with the Reno City Attorney’s Office, worked in private practice, and have served as a Pro Tem Judge in the Reno Municipal Court.  I have the unique combination of experience, empathy and work ethic to do this job properly.  This is not a job to retire into - this is a job that takes everything you’ve got to ensure that the citizens of Reno are treated fairly and our community is kept safe.  My experience over the last 2 years in presiding over Department 3’s Co-Occurring Disorders Specialty Court, along with all other docket types, makes me ready to immediately begin work in this important position. 

 

WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IF ELECTED? 

 

My top priority is to preserve the safety and quality of life in Reno.  I think the best way to do this is to improve and expand the Specialty Court programs in the Reno Municipal Court.  These programs connect participants with needed services for mental health, addiction and homelessness issues rather than simply locking them up.  By investing in our citizens, we can help them turn their lives around and address the root causes of criminal behavior, reduce recidivism and clean up our downtown area.

 

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY—WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE JUDGE? 

 

My judicial philosophy is to treat each person that comes in front of me with dignity and respect, while holding them accountable for their actions.  An effective judge is one that works hard to understand the facts of a case, the background of the participants, and the unique legal issues that are presented.  Only then can a just decision be reached that addresses the needs of everyone involved.

 

IN ONE SENTENCE: WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING VOTERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU? 

 

Voters should know that I have the passion, the work ethic, the experience, and the judgment to immediately step onto the bench and do a great job for the citizens of Reno. 

 

YES OR NO: WILL YOU ACCEPT THE RESULTS OF THIS ELECTION, WHETHER YOU WIN OR LOSE? 

Yes.