Office: Hamilton County – Common Pleas Court Judge, Hamilton
County Court of Common Pleas
Age: 47
Residence: North College Hill, OH
Email: JusticewithAricaUnderwood@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/aricaunderwoodforjudge/
Occupation: Felony Trial Counsel with the Hamilton County Public
Defender’s Office
Education: Walnut Hills High School c/o of 1988; Tuskegee University –
B.A.; University of Cincinnati College of Law – J.D.
Work Experience: 2008-present-Hamilton County Public Defender’s
Office; 2000-2007 LexisNexis; 1997-2000 Private Practice
Family: 3 children
Affiliations: Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association;
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Endorsements: N/A
Bar Association Ratings: N/A
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I have no experience as a Judge, however I have practiced in all 16
courtrooms in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a
judge?
The diversity of my background and experiences most qualify me to
serve as Judge. I was a reference attorney with LexisNexis for 7 years.
As a Senior Consultant with LexisNexis, I spoke with legal practitioner’s
daily and assisted with their legal research issues, as well as assisted
with their use of the various legal software products they used in their
practices. I also assisted other reference attorneys as they assisted
customers.
As a Hamilton County Public Defender, I have spent the last 8 years
practicing primarily in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. I
have practiced in every courtroom, in front of various Judges.
Additionally, I have watched other attorneys as they practiced in these
courtrooms. I have negotiated with prosecuting attorneys and law
enforcement officers. I have interviewed witnesses. I have had more
conversations with clients and their families than I can count. I believe
that these experiences give me the unique ability to listen and then
make an accurate and fair determination about potential outcomes.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
As a Common Pleas Court Judge, I will bring a balanced and committed
sense of judicial service to the citizens of Hamilton County. I am hard
working and will work every day to ensure that all citizens have an
equal and fair voice. I believe that our Justice System although not
perfect, is the best in the world. I understand that Judges are uniquely
qualified to deal with issues such as mental health, addiction,
overcrowded prisons, and overcrowded jails. Because of my diverse
background, I can offer unique solutions to address these issues. I am
polite, professional, patient and prepared. Additionally, I will be present
and approachable, so that I can answer questions about Court
proceedings and address issues as necessary.