Priorities

Trials are a fundamental part of our criminal justice system, but the reality is that most cases are resolved with a plea.  And for good reason: our small county simply does not have the staff, or the tax dollars, to take every case to trial.

While plea bargaining is important, it can also be abused, such as when Prosecutors “overcharge” with the intent to eventually plead the case down.  This is not justice.

As prosecutor, Jordan will emphasize responsible charging decisions—not overcharging for the sake of encouraging a plea. And, while he will not hesitate to levy even the most serious charges when the circumstances warrant, those decisions will be made fairly, in contemplation of all the facts, and consistent with an unbiased application of the law. 

Statistically, 1 in 5 children under the age of 18 experience physical or sexual abuse; 1 in 4 children experience neglect; and 1 in 6 elder Americans (age 60+) experience some form of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or financial. 

Jordan recognizes the importance of protecting our most vulnerable and has a strong track record of working with the agencies tasked with keeping them safe. 

As Prosecuting Attorney, Jordan will prioritize the protection of our children and elderly.  He will not hesitate to prosecute child abuse, child sexual abuse, elder abuse, or neglect cases and he will work with our area agencies to ensure the best outcome for these vulnerable citizens.

Though it may seem counterintuitive, the goals of criminal prosecution are not only punishment and deterrence. They are also rehabilitation and prevention of future crime.

More than 20 years-worth of study has proven that Specialized Treatment Courts (e.g., sobriety court and drug court) are successful in helping people achieve sobriety, gain jobs, work through the problems in their lives and, ultimately, prevent them from reoffending.  And yet, in Mason County, no such specialized courts exist.

As Prosecutor, Jordan will advocate for the implementation and utilization of treatment courts.  Because when people are held accountable and given the tools to actually address their problems, all of society is better off.

The past few years have seen a nationwide push for juvenile justice reform, with aims toward making a more “equitable” system of justice for juveniles. While well-intended, these efforts have crippled prosecutors’ ability to fight juvenile crime.

As Prosecutor, Jordan will utilize every tool available to ensure that juvenile crime does not go unpunished.  While he encourages rehabilitative programming for youthful offenders, he will also not hesitate to do what is necessary to protect the community, such as by seeking detention (incarceration) and, when appropriate, charging juveniles as adults for their adult crimes. 

Treatment and rehabilitation are important, especially for drug offenders.  But sometimes, people just need to go to jail.  And that sentiment applies just as much to repeat drug offenders as it does to other criminals.

Jordan will be compassionate toward drug offenders and will work with any defendant who is truly sincere about addressing their addictions. But he will not hesitate to do what’s necessary to keep our communities safe.

Most importantly, he will not hesitate to prosecute drug dealers, even those whose only motivation  is to support their own habit.

Only by combining empathy with a hardline stance against repeat offenders and dealers can we truly begin to address the drug epidemic that is plaguing our community.

While there are exceptions to every rule, Jordan’s philosophy is to prosecute conduct, not people.

 Every defendant, regardless of their crime, is entitled, at minimum, to (1) quality representation and (2) a fair and unbiased prosecution that respects their constitutional rights.  Likewise, their attorneys—who are just trying to do their job—deserve respect.

As Prosecutor, Jordan will treat defendants, and their attorneys, with respect.  He will listen and be open to resolution while also maintaining the integrity of the office and respect for the rights of victims.  He will promote fairness and equality and ensure every case is handled within the confines of the law.