Pat Dinkelacker

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Hamilton County Court of Domestic Relations – July 1991 to November 1995 Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas (General Division) – November 1995 to December 2006 First District Court of Appeals – February 2007 to January 2015 Hamilton County Court of Common Please (General Division) – January 2015 to Present

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My non-judicial legal experience has provided the best foundation I believe one could have for the position of judge. Experience matters and my term as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney provided me with that quality experience. For 11 years I was on the front line as a prosecutor. I was hired as an Assistant Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney in 1979. I was assigned to the Criminal Trial Section, Juvenile Division. From the first day in the office, I spent my days in the courtroom. Daily I dealt with judges and magistrates. Daily I was involved with the dispensation of justice. After a year, I was promoted to the Municipal Division where I was afforded the opportunity to practice in front of all the Municipal Court Judges. I learned something from each judge and also that seeking justice is what good judges are all about. After a short stay in Municipal, I went to the Felony Division. Again, I daily saw how learned and experienced judges handled court proceedings, treated those that came before them and the methods and manners used to seek justice. It was great training. During my years as a felony prosecutor, I tried over 100 felony jury trials including seven death penalty cases. Those are very difficult but they instilled in me an obligation to always do the right thing. I have immense experience in being involved in how a courtroom works. Also, as a prosecutor, I was afforded the opportunity to become educated on how to deal with all types of people. I met daily with victims of crime, witnesses, law enforcement officers, defense attorneys and judges. I believe this has developed in me a well-rounded perspective of how fairness and justice occur. My non-judicial legal experience has provided me with the practical, procedural background as well as the understanding of and knowledge of fairness and justice. All the things necessary to be a good judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
For the past 28 years I have had the honor and privilege of serving the citizens of Hamilton County as a judge. I truly appreciate that opportunity and I feel I have fulfilled the expectations and trust the voters have put in me. I am hopeful I can continue to serve as a judge. I believe in my service as a judge I have worked hard, followed the law, treated everyone who has come into my courtroom with dignity and respect and sought justice. In effectuating my duties as a judge, I have accumulated a wealth of judicial experience. Experience matters. I feel I am well-qualified to be a good judge. A judge in the Common Pleas General Division is provided with a unique opportunity to help people. Over the years, I have been able to help many people. I would like to continue doing that. Judges are important and they make decision that affect the lives and well-being of the citizens of our community. I have made those tough decisions multiple times over the years. I have always made those decisions within the limits of the law and to exact justice and fairness to all. If re-elected, I would continue to help people. I would continue to help our justice system be viewed as a place where anyone and everyone in the community will receive justice. Personally, I truly enjoy being a judge. It has been in the most positive way a life changing experience. I look forward to going to work every day. I enjoy working with my staff and all the wonderful people at the courthouse. I am fortunate to be able to spend the day with prosecutors, defense attorneys and civil attorneys who, like me and with me, seek justice every day. I feel good everyday about helping people. I am blessed to be a judge. In my 28 years as a judge, I do not believe I have ever let you down. I will not let you down. I will never abuse the trust you have put in me. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve again as judge.