Office: Franklin County Municipal Court
Age: 39
Residence: Columbus, OH
Email: dvargaforjudge@gmail.com
Website:
http://www.dvargaforjudge.com
https://www.facebook.com/DVargaforJudge/
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.A. from the University of Dayton, 2002; J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Work Experience: Legal Compliance, 2005-2007; Civil Litigation 2007-2010; Criminal Defense 2010-present
Family: Married with twin boys.
Affiliations: Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Endorsements: Central Ohio AFL-CIO; Columbus Firefighters Union Local 67; Columbus Building Trades; Stonewall Democrats of Central Ohio; Franklin County Democratic Party; Teamsters Local 284; AFSCME Power in Action; Ohio Young Democrats; Franklin County Council of Education Associations; National Association of Social Workers; Ohio Environmental Council; Teachers for Better Schools, Columbus Education Association. Supported by the Baptist Ministerial Alliance of Columbus and Vicinity
Bar Association Ratings:
“Highly Recommended” by the Columbus Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee; Rated “Highly Recommended” by the Central Ohio Association for Justice
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
This is my first campaign for a judicial seat. I have been practicing law in Ohio for the past 14 years.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have handled misdemeanor and felony cases all over the State of Ohio. I have practiced in front of fair judges and biased judges, judges that are tough on crime, and judges who have compassion for a given individual’s situation, as if those concepts are mutually exclusive. My clients have been treated both fairly and incredibly unfairly. Regardless of what my client has done or where I am practicing, I have loved being on the front lines of the justice system and working to make that system better. I know that I can do more good behind the bench than standing in front of it. As a trial attorney, I know the law and am committed to upholding the Constitution. The Franklin County Municipal Court is where I have spent the majority of my career. I know the people, the processes, and the areas of the court that need attention. I love the fast paced atmosphere and dealing with the public, working with the attorneys, and seeing the successes of both the regular and specialty dockets. I am committed to improving our court system and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with the respect that everyone having business with the court deserves.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I want to instill faith in our justice system and ensure that, when someone walks into our Municipal Court, they know that they will be treated fairly and with respect. I want to make a difference in people’s lives by taking into account their individual situation and offering treatment options, therapy, or whatever balanced punishment may be necessary to ensure that they don’t find themselves in front of the Court again. I’m dedicated to the people in this county and to our Court, and I know that I can help both as a Judge. Being a part of our judicial process is an honor. All judges, as public servants, should work hard for the good of the public, uphold the law, and ensure that our justice system is working in the most efficient, fair, and balanced manner possible.