CANDIDATE PROFILES: Justice of the Peace

NAME: DOUG DRYDEN

OCCUPATION: Sanders County Justice of the Peace, 2017 to present (5 years)

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree-WSU

What qualities make you the best candidate for this position?

As a Judge, I strive to provide fair and equitable justice for all. I treat each person individually, looking at the facts and circumstances of their alleged crime. In civil lawsuits, I am objective, allowing the evidence to determine the outcome of the case. I believe in a common sense approach to the law. My five years as a judge have given me the experience to carry out judicial duties with confidence. I have 240 hours of judicial training, 26 years in law enforcement, 1600 hours criminal justice training and have testified in Justice Courts, District Courts and Federal Courts.

How will you ensure objectivity in cases?

Everyone who comes into my Court is treated with respect. I explain to them that my initial role is to make sure that they understand their rights and the charges against them before they consider entering a plea. If a person enters a guilty plea, I ask the person to explain the circumstances that led to the charge against them. It is important that people are heard in the judicial process. I strive for judicial objectivity by remaining neutral and following the legal process in considering every case that comes before me.

Upon conviction, what is your philosophy when it comes to sentencing?

My Judicial philosophy is based on the oath that I swore to uphold the United States and Montana constitutions and to protect the rule of law. Before sentencing, I look at the person’s criminal history, if any, and then sentence the person within the parameters of what the Legislature has determined to be appropriate penalties including fines, jail time, restitution, treatment, license suspension, etc. for their crime. My goal in sentencing is to first motivate people to be in compliance with our laws, then to punish those who refuse to obey our laws.

NAME: CARL MARQUARDT

OCCUPATION: Court Clerk for the Sanders County Justice Court

Education - Pursuing Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice; American Public University; Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice; American Public University; Bachelor of Science Occupational Education; Wayland Baptist University; Associates of Art Human Resources; Community College of the Air Force; Associates of Art Instructor Technologies; Community College of the Air Force; Associates of Art Transportation; Community College of the Air Force

What qualities make you the best candidate for this position?

The qualities making me the best candidate for this position are humility, dedication, and fairness. I have never felt or thought I was better than others. I am running for change not a title or financial gain. I dedicate myself to my work. My expertise is called upon by my superior(s) regularly as I put forth a great effort to be knowledgeable in all aspects of Justice Court. I am fair across the board and will not be influenced by the identity, race, gender, political status, wealth, or personal relationship of the individuals who would be appearing before me.

 How will you ensure objectivity in cases?

Impartiality is one of the reasons I’m running. A neutral judge is needed in this court. One who follows the law, proper procedures, and makes rulings accordingly. Judges should not conduct personal investigations or direct law enforcement to amend charges. As Justice James A. Rice stated at our spring clerk’s conference - there must be a division of the judicial and executive branches, or we go against our founder’s constitution and their intent to separate powers. I will take my oath seriously and not take part in ex parte communication, let personal beliefs cloud decisions, or show favoritism.

 Upon conviction, what is your philosophy when it comes to sentencing?

Sentencing cannot be accomplished with a cookie cutter! Using the recommended bond schedule for everyone is not how sentencing should be done. All factors of the case should be looked at when determining the fine and/or jail time, such as the individual’s ability to pay a fine without causing undue hardship. I would look at alternatives to fines such as community service. The court system was not intended to be a revenue generating machine. Sentences should also be completed in a timely matter and not drawn out. Accountability and rehabilitation should be the goal of sentencing. Firm but fair!