Ritzville District Court Candidates: Opponent Carolyn Benzel

Carolyn Benzel

Age: 48

Education: BA from the University of Virginia, Juris Doctor from Seattle University, passed the Washington State Bar Exam in 1993.

Profession: Deputy Prosecutor with Adams County

Spouse: Randal

Children: Stephanie Madison, Justin Benzel, Austin Benzel, Addison Fair, Anna Fair, Jackson Fair

Serving as the first challenger in over 23 years for the Ritzville District Court race, Carolyn Benzel has placed her name on the General Election ballot. She is running against incumbent Judge Adalia Hille.

Benzel said her reasoning for running for judge is simple: it is time for a change and there needs to be an improvement. Benzel has served as a practicing attorney for over 20 years, and has spent over five years working as a deputy prosecutor for Adams County. She has served as a judge before, and is seeking election at the district court level, as it is a career she wants to return too.

The largest change needing to be implemented is offenders need to be held accountable, Benzel said. Both law enforcement officers and public citizens have expressed concern and annoyance at the “revolving door”, which allows offenders back on the street, Benzel said.

“I believe with my work experience, and my education and my temperament, I can give a long-term commitment to improving that system,” Benzel said.

As a prospective judge, Benzel said her strength lies in her past experience dealing with civil, criminal and private practice issues. She has represented, prosecuted, tried and argued cases, and all of the experience she would take to the bench with her, Benzel explained.

Benzel said her weakness on the bench would stem from a lack of patience for those who do not follow proper procedure, and those unprepared for court. She added another obstacle she would need to overcome is learning how to get the job done properly with the limited resources available, but she has had practice with the issue in the past.

For Benzel, the largest inefficiencies currently in district court stem from a lack of practical experience as a practicing attorney and the high employee turnover rate within the department. Benzel explained she believes there should be a better understanding for the law, and decisions need to be made impartially and fairly, but also in a decisive and timely manner.

Through her experience in juvenile court, Benzel said the increasing amount of juvenile offenders is attributed to the lack of a family unit. Benzel said services need to be provided to juveniles through the schools, or through outreach programs to reduce the amount of truancy and decrease the amount of at risk youth. The probation department has been effective in this issue, Benzel said, by providing programs to juvenile offenders.

Benzel’s past experience includes working in private practice as an associate attorney, and also has extensive experience in criminal and civil law. She served as a deputy prosecutor for Franklin County, a senior deputy prosecutor for Grant County and as a chief deputy prosecutor in Adams County. She said she has been involved in over 60 trials, as well as writing and arguing countless motions.

In the courtroom, Benzel said there is inadequate legal help for individuals who cannot afford the costly attorney fees.

She believes it is the responsibility of the judge to ensure people are represented properly, and while judges cannot provide legal advice, she stated judges are instrumental in pointing them in the right direction. This includes informing them of resources available online or through the district court office, Benzel added.

Benzel explained an ethical dilemma she has faced multiple times while serving in a prosecutor’s office, is releasing material to the other attorney because of its validity to the case. On multiple occasions, Benzel said she struggled whether or not to disclose the information as it was not relevant to the case, and would make the information public. She said she released the material to protect the rights of the defendant.

For Benzel, the greatest achievement in her legal career has been bringing justice to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Benzel said she is extremely proud of her work within the field, especially a case that brought about changes within DSHS.

On a personal level, Benzel said her greatest accomplishment is raising a family and continuing to supply her family with a healthy lifestyle.

Serving as a judge is a significant achievement and honor for any attorney, Benzel said, and that would serve as the largest benefit to being a judge. She also added the challenge and diversity of cases is a welcomed experience and change from practicing law. The only downside of serving as a district court judge for Benzel is no longer working on a personal level with those involved with cases, and losing the sense of helping victims receive justice.

Benzel said her strength as an administrator, if elected to the bench, would stem from her extensive experience supervising and working with staff members through the prosecutor’s office. Benzel said working her way up through the justice system has allowed her to relate to all staff members and realize the value each one possess as an employee.

Benzel’s vision for the future of district court is creating a effective and efficient system, with offenders being held accountable. Benzel said if she was elected, she would work hard to implement a probation court, as well as strive to improve the work environment and reduce the amount of employee turnover. Benzel said she also wants to review and update local rules, as well as expand resources for litigants.

The decision to run for election to district court judge is fueled by her desire to serve the community, Benzel said, as well as bringing a list of qualifications and experience to the bench. As a hardworking individual, Benzel said she is determined to improve the local system.

“I’m a member of this community, I care about this community. I care about the impact the local justice system has on this community,” Benzel said. “And we deserve to have an effective system. I think I can bring that.”