Office: For Judge of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Unexpired Term Ending 1/3/2023
Age: 51
Residence: Maumee
Email:
Website:
Social Media: Retain Judge Alfonso “Jess” Gonzalez – Facebook
Occupation: Judge
Education: B.S. in Criminal Justice from B.G.S.U., M.P.A. from B.G.S.U., and J.D. from University of Toledo, College of Law
Work Experience:
Planner for 2 years, Attorney for 15 years, Magistrate for 4 years, Judge since March 18, 2019
Family: Married with 1 child
Affiliations: Member of O.S.B.A., T.B.A., Lucas County Bar Assn, Judical Conference, Association of Common Pleas Judges, Knight of Columbus
Endorsements: Local 50, Building & Trades PAC
Bar Association Ratings:
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Lucas County Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Magistrate – 4 years Lucas County Common Pleas, General Division – Since March 18, 2019
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I was a private attorney for approximately 15 years practicing in general civil litigation and criminal misdemeanor cases. I handled many areas of civil litigation which constitutes a majority of a judge’s docket. The judges’ caseloads are around sixty percent civil litigation.
I also had substantial experience doing guardian ad litem work for the courts in domestic relations and juvenile cases. It gave me the opportunity to interact with litigants and their families in a closer fashion. This gave me an increased perspective few attorneys get in representing their clients. I also clerked for a judge for three years which gave me the ins and outs of court administration which served me well starting as a magistrate.
I believe my private practice experience coupled with the 5 years of judicial experience has prepared me well for the position as a judge in Common Pleas Court.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
In short, I absolutely love this job! I was appointed on March 18, 2019 to the seat I am running for. In the nearly one year as a judge, I have learned the intricacies of the criminal felony docket. I have also been introduced to complex areas of civil law that I had not practiced in.
Being a judge in Common Pleas Court is truly a busy and, at times, stressful occupation. However, I thoroughly enjoy the dynamic nature and educational process the position brings. Being a judge also presents the unique opportunity to make a difference in the community. As a magistrate I was exposed to the serious issues of opiate addiction and mental health in the legal system. It impacts the ability of attorneys to adequately represent their clients, and the courts in the administration of justice.
I am particularly concerned with how mental health has taken a backseat to the publicity of the opiate epidemic. I personally feel that mental health is as big of an issue if not larger. I hope to join forces with Judge Navarre in the creation of a specialty court for mental health. It is sorely needed as the community lacks the resources and wherewithal to address the issue comprehensively.