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Office you seek
District Court Judge

Date of birth
September 15, 1964

Occupation
Assistant District Attorney

Address
Greensboro, N.C.

Web site/e-mail address
robertenochsforjudge.com
robertenochs@bellsouth.net

Education
B.A.S. in Accounting from Guilford College 1988
Juris Doctor Campbell University School of Law 1992

Elective experience
None

Professional credentials (specialized training or experience): 
From 1992 until 1995, I was employed with the law firm of Morgan, Herring, Morgan, Green, Rosenblutt and Gill in High Point, North Carolina.While there, I handled civil and criminal district court matters, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. In 1995, I began work for the Guilford County District Attorney's office. I began as an assistant district attorney assigned to district court and prosecuted cases in criminal court, juvenile court and child support court. During this time, I managed a daily caseload of approximately 200 cases a day and worked in district court all day, every day. I am now assigned to superior court. I have participated in over 80 jury trials in cases ranging from minor drug offenses to capital murder. I have completed a school for Trial Advocacy at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Every year I attend at fifteen hours of continuing education classes.

Family
Wife Wendy, son Henry (9)

Why have you chosen to run for this office? 
I want to be a district court judge because I believe that it is one of the greatest ways that a lawyer can make a positive impact on the community. District court is truly a "people's court." A district court judge has contact with so many different people in our community and makes decisions effecting their lives. In juvenile court, the  judge may enter an order reuniting families and protecting children in need. In child support court, the judge may require a parent to provide support for his/her child(ren). In civil court. the judge could return property to its rightful owner or determine child custody. In criminal court, the judge determines someone's guilt or innocence and can help victims obtain restitution.

What distinguishes you most from your opponent?
My vast and diversified experience in the law and my accounting background distinguishes me from my opponent. I have appeared in every district criminal courtroom,including juvenile court, as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. This gives me a unique incite into the cases that would appear in front of me. I have handled thousands of cases over my career and am very familiar with the rules of evidence and the rules of procedure. My accounting background will be a great asset in civil court. Many of the cases in civil court involve financial issues: examples include contract cases, child support, alimony, post separation support and equitable distribution. A judge must be able to look through complicated affidavits and tax records to accurately determine a family's assets.

I believe also that I have a strong work ethic and am dedicated to working hard to ensure that our court system runs smoothly. I am very organized and efficient. I currently handle over 200 cases. I stay "on top" of all of my cases and am always prepared.

What key qualifications would you bring to the job?
The most important qualities in a judge are knowledge of the law, the ability to apply the law fairly in each and every case that he/ she hears and the demeanor to do so in a professional manner. As stated above, I have experience in all of the district courts and am well-versed in the law. I believe that I have the ability to listen to each individual case that will appear before me and apply the law to that case based on the evidence presented. I also believe that I have a patient and professional demeanor and will be able to deliver my rulings and decisions in a timely and professional manner.

Are you qualified to preside in every court or willing to gain the necessary qualifications?
I am qualified to preside in every court. Juvenile court is the only district court that has a special certification. All district court judges may preside in juvenile court; and in fact have to do so to obtain certification. Currently eight of our twelve district court judges are certified and I am more than willing to preside in juvenile court and obtain that certification. During my 15 year career as an attorney I have appeared in every distinct court. Because I have spent the last 12 years as an Assistant District Attorney handling only criminal matters, I will need to update my knowledge of civil case law; but I am willing to work hard and study hard. All aspects of the law are continuously changing. Attorneys, as well as judges, must stay abreast of the latest judicial and legislative changes and know how they are to be applied.  

Where do you see the greatest shortcomings in District Court, and how could they be corrected?
One of the shortcomings of district court is not having enough resources for the high volume of cases. Resources include building space and court personnel--clerks, bailiffs, assistant district attorneys and judges. An example of this problem is courtroom 2-C. 2-C has a morning and afternoon docket. In the mornings, hundreds of cases (On June 30th, there were 900!) are set for hearing in a courtroom that only accommodates 86 people. This results in long lines that stretch out of the courtroom.

Once the construction on the courthouse is complete, space should no longer be a problem; but the personnel shortage and heavy caseload will still exist. The presiding judge in each court room should use court time as efficiently as possible. The presiding judge should make every effort to ensure that cases are heard in a timely manner. Sometimes due to over crowding, cases are unable to be reached and are continued to another date. A quick resolution of cases is better for defendants, victims of crime and both parties in civil actions. Also, a smaller number of cases on a docket means that the judge can give more time and attention to each case.

If elected, I will be dedicated to using court time wisely. I will also work with the court room staff to ensure that cases will be handled in a timely manner. I will also work to assist court rooms in addition to the court in which I am assigned. 

Does everyone receive equal justice in District Court, regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, language, income or legal representation? If not, what measures could help?
I believe that our constitution and court system ensures that all individuals receive equal justice. In criminal cases, if a defendant is indigent, he/ she is entitled to a court appointed attorney. The Guilford County public defenders office receives the majority of these cases. Also, if a Defendant does not speak English, an interpreter is provided by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

In criminal matters, is enough done to ensure that dangerous offenders aren't released prior to trial with insufficient supervision?
At this time, I believe that the answer is no. This is due to jail overcrowding. Many offenders are released into the community prior to trial with lower than guideline bonds. Pre-trial Services has done a good job monitoring defendants that have previously failed to appear; but I do not believe that having this service in place, absent an appropriate bond, is adequate for monitoring defendants charged with violent crimes. Pre-trial Services does not have house arrest monitors and can not go to defendants' homes to ensure that they are not violating imposed curfews.

How can the court help steer troubled young people away from gangs or further criminal activity?
Our court can help steer troubled youth away from gangs and further criminal activity by requiring youth to cooperate with and participate in positive community resources. One Step Further offers a Life Skills course designed to help youth make better decisions and avoid criminal activity. Life Skills is a five-week, twenty hour course that covers topics such as anger management and conflict resolution. The Straight Talk program is offered by Youth Focus and is similar in structure to the Life Skills program and is available for females. BOTSO( Brothers Organized to Save Others) offers a Youth Leadership Dynamic program that meets weekly with young men in grade five through twelve and focuses on discipline, education, teamwork and leadership. Big Brothers/ Big Sisters through Youth Focus offers mentoring services.The Hope Project is designed specifically for youth in a gang or almost in a gang that want help getting away from gang activity. A judge can also order that a child not associate with any known gang members or be involved in any gang activity.

Many youth involved in gang activity become involved because they lack structure and a positive adult influence in their lives. A gang offers these children something that they are missing in their family life- a sense of belonging. If the court can intervene and order these youth in the right direction, they may realize that there is another way of life; and that a positive way of life is an option for them.

What are common mistakes judges make, and how can you avoid them?
The most common mistake that some judges make is forgetting that they are public servants. Judges should treat all people, whether they are law enforcement, staff, an attorney or a defendant, with dignity and respect. Judges should arrive at work on time and be prepared to work all day.

How can voters judge your abilities?
The best way for voters to judge the abilities of judicial candidates is to talk to people that work in the court system. This would include law enforecement, clerks, probation officers, child support enforcement workers and attorneys.