Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney candidate Stephen Gray

__Name:__ Stephen Gray

__Age:__ 46

__Place of birth:__ Joplin, Missouri

__Spouse, children's names:__ I have been married to Carol Gray since 1992. We have two sons, John Gray, 16, and David Gray, 13.

__Occupation:__ Attorney

__Education:__

Neosho High School, 1985

Missouri State Univ., B.A. 1990

Univ. of Tulsa School of Law, Juris Doctorate Dec. 1992.

__Employer:__ Self employed Law Office in Marble Hill, MO, and Prosecuting Attorney for Bollinger County, MO.

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ Stephen P. Gray Law Office, 303 High St., Marble Hill, Missouri.

__Public offices held or sought:__ Seeking Re-election as Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney.

__What makes an effective prosecuting attorney?:__

An effective prosecutor will have good public relations skills, public speaking and writing ability. A desire to aid crime victims and police in prosecuting crime and getting a fair result in cases. He should be effective in the courtroom, before and during trials. He should be an effective negotiator and keep good relations with courts and other agencies. He should deal fairly with opposing counsel and seek justice, not necessarily convictions or statistics.

__Plea bargain vs. trial -- how do you decide?:__

The nature of the offense (nonviolent vs. violent or sex offenses), the strength of the evidence in the case, the victim's injuries and input, police and community input, the person's prior record, and how similar cases are handled across the state. The availability of rehabilitation programs when substance or mental issues arise.

All these things considered,if I can achieve a fair or favorable result by a plea agreement, it makes sense to do so.

__Why are you the best candidate for the position?:__

Crime victims, law enforcement and the public benefit from having a seasoned prosecutor in office. With the knowledge gained from 16 years of service as prosecutor, with hundreds of hours in the courtroom before local judges and juries, I bring my substantial training and experience to aid victims of crime. I have handled more than 8,000 criminal cases for Bollinger County. I am familiar with the local juries and local crime problems. In addition,on occasion I've been requested to serve as a Special Prosecutor for Cape Girardeau County and the City of Cape Girardeau.

In 2013, my fellow prosecutors statewide selected me to serve on their Board of Directors as Secretary of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (MAPA). This is the professional development, training and lobbying organization for prosecutors. I also serve on MAPA's Special Committee on Strategic Planning for Statewide Automation, concerning such issues as electronic filing, case management systems and "paperless" office automation. I appreciate having the recognition and trust of my colleagues in the profession.

I am accustomed to working within a limited budget and with rural law enforcement agencies. I have my own law firm office and trained staff to assist with my duties, including the collection of bad checks and restitution.

__Do you support having a drug court in Bollinger County?:__

Yes. Drug courts have been shown to be effective in treating substance issues. The program will be welcomed here once the supporting agencies have their infrastructure in place.