Circuit 32, Division 1 Judge candidate Allen Moss

__Name:__ Allen Moss

__Age:__ 53

__Place of birth:__ Chula Vista, CA

__Spouse, children's names:__ Spouse: Katie; Children: Courtney, Allen III (Trey), and Thomas

__Occupation:__ Attorney and municipal judge

__Employer:__ Moss, Stillwell & Surratt (private practice), Scott City (municipal judge)

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ Senior partner in Moss, Stillwell & Surratt

__Previous offices held or sought:__

Unsuccessfully sought election as Associate Circuit Judge, Division IV

Municipal judge, Scott City (16 years)

Assistant Attorney General, State of Missouri

Prosecutor/Assistant City Attorney, City of Cape Girardeau

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Cape Girardeau County

__What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?:__

I am the only person in the race with experience as a municipal judge and a prosecutor. I have seen the courtroom from every side during my 27 years of trial experience, and I am the only person in the race who has seen the victims of crime and helped pursue justice by putting away criminals, something which has earned me the endorsement of all three sheriffs in the district.

__Overcrowding has become a concern for jails and prisons across the state. Would you support the use of drug courts or other rehabilitation programs to help address the issue?:__

I do not believe that those engaged in the sale and distribution of drugs should be placed in Drug Court. However Drug Court can deal with non-violent offenders in a firm manner while keeping them from burdening our jails. Requiring defendants to get treatment to beat their addiction and implementing stiff penalties if they break the law again, we can help rehabilitate offenders and encourage them to become productive members of society.

__What are your thoughts on technology in the courtroom?:__

I would support the expanded use of video arraignments and court appearances in criminal cases. Currently our jails in the three counties are at capacity which is a burden on tax payers, A significant number of inmates in our jails are merely awaiting a court date. Video arraignments also reduce the burden on law enforcement in transporting inmates to and from the courthouse.

__Where do you believe the most improvements, if any, should be made to the Division 1 court?:__

I am committed to finding ways to reduce litigation expenses for people who find themselves in the court system. We should be open to change and look at practices of other courts. I applaud the judges in our Circuit for disposing cases in an efficient and timely manner.