JONESBORO, Ark. — Days after the district attorney questioned Judge-elect Doug Brimhall’s suitability to be sworn in as a circuit judge in northeastern Arkansas, another prominent leader and victims’ advocate is raising the same topic. have expressed concerns about this.
Casey Kidd, executive director of Family Crisis Center, Inc., sent a letter of concern to the Judicial Discipline and Disability Committee. The letter, dated Oct. 7, expresses concerns about Brimhall’s oversight of cases that could “impact the victims we serve.”
“I feel it is my duty to present you with the facts that demonstrate why it is absolutely harmful to allow Judge Brimhall-elect to serve in this judicial role in the 2nd District, 4th Department. ,” Kidd wrote in the letter.
Kidd recently attended a human-centered investigation conference hosted by the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault, where she said the data shared weighed heavily on her, especially since the plea deal. She wrote that there is data showing that 11% of sexual assault victims do not report the assault due to fear of legal proceedings. Additionally, 95% of victims who later report regret it.
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“Even if you are charged with aggravated assault on a family member or household member, a felony, or third-degree domestic violence, and ultimately plead guilty to a harassment charge, you are still allowed to serve your community as a supervising circuit judge. , incidents including but not limited to domestic violence and sexual assault, what does that say about our system?” Kidd asked in the letter. “Does this mean that our system is a safe place for victims? This says that our system lives up to the motto ‘No one is above the law.’ Is it? Does this mean that our system is doing everything possible to protect victims and convict perpetrators? I don’t think you can answer “yes” to the questions you pose. ”
The letter states that Mr. Brimhall has taken an oath to abide by the rules of professional conduct and other ethical standards declared by the court. Kidd writes that Brimhall, in his opinion, has not kept his oath and does not know how he can do so in the future.
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The letter was also sent to all judges on the Second Judicial Circuit, to Arkansas Chief Justice Dan Kemp, and to Charlene Fleetwood, deputy director of the Office of Professional Conduct at the Arkansas Department of Justice. Letters were also sent to members of the media.
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