Derek Meinecke, Candidate for 44th District Court Judge

General information

Name : Derek Meinecke
Age: 37
Place of residence : Royal Oak, Michigan

Education

University: Wayne State University, JD; Northwestern University, BA

Employment Information

Current job title : assistant prosecuting attorney for Oakland County since 2001

Political information

Running for a: Local office
Running for position: District Court Judge
Chamber/district: 44th
Incumbent: No
Previous elective offices : None

Party HQ

Address: 716 Orchard View Drive, Royal Oak, MI 48073

Website

www.votemeinecke.com

Statement of Purpose

• Experienced: Fighting For Justice In The Courtroom For Over A Decade
• Leader: Guiding Our Youth & Standing Up For The Elderly
• Trusted: Endorsed By Our Community Leaders

Experience

As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the past decade I have served the residents of Oakland County prosecuting some of the most violent crimes and seeking justice for the most vulnerable victims.  Having litigated in every district court in Oakland County, prosecuting more than 1,000 cases, I have a deep understanding of the critical role the District Court plays in keeping our community safe and the powerful opportunity judges have to positively redirect the behavior of a first-time offender.  In fact, the District Court Judge can make a first-time offender a last-time offender. It's an opportunity to save lives and have an impact. 

Royal Oak needs to have a strong judge with the right experience serving on the bench. I’m deeply grateful for the support of retiring Judge Dan Sawicki, Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner, 35 Oakland County Judges, more than 150 attorneys, all three Royal Oak Police Officer Unions, the Royal Oak Firefighters Association, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Command Officer’s Association, the Oakland County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the South Oakland County Bar Association and UAW.

Additionally, I’m thankful for the support of numerous elected officials including City Commissioner Peggy Goodwin and Royal Oak Schools Board President Gary Briggs, Vice President Deb Anderson, and Trustees Carrie Beerer and Jeff Brinker. Their support joins with countless community leaders who recognize the importance of this race to the future of Royal Oak.  The support from those who know first-hand what is required to serve successfully as a District Court Judge is appreciated and it also provides Royal Oak voters the confidence needed in making their choice for Judge on Aug. 7 and again on Nov. 6.

Vision

The role of the District Court Judge is one that has significant impact beyond the walls of the courtroom.  The 44th District Court is a critical component to keeping our community safe and engaging residents in addressing important issues as they emerge.  We must have a court that is deeply connected to those working on behalf of our youth, seniors, families and all residents of Royal Oak in order to preserve and grow our community for the next generation.  These times require judges who are not prisoners of politics but fair and tough-minded judges who are capable of leveraging our legal system for the benefit of every resident.

The Important Role the 44th District Court Plays in Our Community & Why Your Vote Matters

The Judicial Race for District Court Judge of the 44th District Court is one of the most important decisions Royal Oak voters will make this election season.  Voters have the opportunity to shape the future of our community by electing a judge who will build on our Court’s reputation of being innovative and responsive in its delivery of justice.  I’m deeply committed to bringing the passion I have brought day in and day out to the courtrooms throughout Oakland County to the bench in Royal Oak.