Office: Hamilton County Municipal Court – District 6
Age: 49
Residence: Cincinnati, OH
Email: aricaforjudge@gmail.com
Website: www.aricaunderwoodforjudge.com
www.facebook.com/aricaunderwoodforjudge
@aricaforjudge
Occupation: Felony Trial Counsel – Hamilton County Public Defender
Education: Walnut Hills High School, Tuskegee University – BA, University of Cincinnati College of Law – JD
Work Experience: Private Law Practice, LexisNexis Sr. Legal Consultant, Felony Trial Counsel Hamilton County Public Defender
Family: Three children
Affiliations: Cincinnati Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of Public Defenders
Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, Bold New Democracy, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Equality Cincinnati, National Association of Social Workers
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I have never served as a judge.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have been a practicing attorney for over 20 years. For the past 12 years I have worked as an attorney for the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office, representing indigent citizens who are accused of misdemeanor, and felony crimes. As a defense attorney I have worked hard to find alternate solutions to jail and prison. I negotiate with social service agencies, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement, social workers, judges, parole officers, probation officers, doctors, and any other professional who interacts with the court in a criminal case. As a judge, I am uniquely qualified to determine what solution will allow a convicted person an opportunity to rehabilitate themselves, and avoid the criminal system in future.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Most citizens who come into contact with the justice system have an interaction with municipal court. Municipal court judges handle evictions, civil suits for less than 15,000 dollars, speeding tickets, misdemeanor crimes, and OVIs. Municipal Court Judges also set bonds on most cases after arrest. I am seeking this seat in large part because we need Judges with diverse backgrounds to address the issues we face in many courtrooms today. I believe that it is important to treat every person with dignity and respect. I believe that Justice requires that Judges look at each individual person, and as a Judge I will look at every person and every case on an individual basis.