Bench

From Courtroom to Bench: Multnomah County Leader Jeff Auxier Elected as Circuit Judge in a Competitive Five-Way Race

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Portland, Oregon – After a competitive election, Multnomah County’s own Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeff Auxier is set to adorn the bench as a judge, following a decisive victory in a recent five-candidate race for a judicial seat. Election results disclose that Auxier captured 42% of the vote, leading the race. Beginning his career in law as a prosecutor in Multnomah County in 2008, Auxier dedicated a decade of service before assuming the role of District Attorney in Columbia County. He served two terms there before resigning in 2023 to helm the domestic violence unit … Read more

Accused in Laken Riley Murder Case Opts for Bench Trial Over Jury

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Atlanta, Georgia—A significant development has unfolded in the high-profile case of Laken Riley, a nursing student whose tragic demise has captured nationwide attention. The accused, whose identity has not been disclosed extensively to the public, has opted to forgo a jury trial, choosing instead to have a judge determine the verdict. This legal maneuver adds a new layer of complexity to a case riddled with emotions and high stakes. By waiving the right to a jury trial, the defendant may be seeking a more controlled environment to contest the accusations, away from the public and … Read more

Shayla Lee Triumphs in Duval County Judicial Race, Securing Bench Seat by Hefty Margin

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Jacksonville, FL – In a significant outcome from the latest elections, public defender Shayla Lee has secured a victory to become a new county judge in Duval County. Lee triumphed over Matthew Lufrano, her closest competitor, by an impressive margin exceeding 50,000 votes, marking her debut on the county bench with a promise of fresh judicial perspectives. Lee’s victory follows a competitive race that saw her emerge as a top contender from a four-candidate field in August’s primary elections. Despite being financially outpaced by Lufrano in campaign fundraising, Lee’s message and credentials evidently resonated more … Read more

D.C. Police Officer Charged in Proud Boys Case Opts for Bench Trial Over Jury

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Washington, D.C. — A police officer from Washington, D.C., implicated in providing insider information to a leader of the Proud Boys prior to the January 6 Capitol riot, has opted for a trial by judge instead of facing a jury. The officer, seeking this judicial route, aims to have his case heard solely by a U.S. district judge. The accused officer, whose career in law enforcement now hangs in the balance, allegedly had ties with Enrique Tarrio, the former chairman of the far-right group Proud Boys. According to federal prosecutors, the officer was involved in … Read more