Circuit Court Judge, District 10, Group 24

DeMichael: 1. Efficiency: Resolve cases promptly while ensuring each receives the time and attention it deserves.
2. Due Process: Protect the constitutional rights of every person who comes before the court and apply the law fairly.
3. Ensuring Everyone is Heard: Treat every litigant, victim, witness, attorney, and juror with dignity and respect so they leave knowing they were heard, even if they disagree with the outcome.

Dixon: My top three priorities are: (1) ensuring every person has meaningful access to the courts through efficient case management and respectful treatment; (2) faithfully applying the law with fairness, impartiality, and integrity; and (3) strengthening public confidence in the judiciary by maintaining professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Every litigant deserves to be heard, treated with dignity, and know their case was decided according to the law.

DeMichael:  I am running for Circuit Judge because I feel called to serve. After a great deal of reflection, I realized my broad legal experience and even temperament have prepared me well for the bench. I was born and raised in this community and I care deeply about the people who call it home. It would be an honor to give back by serving with integrity, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and faithfully upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.

Dixon: II am running for Circuit Court Judge because I believe my experience, temperament, and commitment to public service have prepared me to serve the people of the Tenth Judicial Circuit with fairness and integrity. Throughout my career in public defense, private practice, and as a Civil Traffic Hearing Officer, I have seen the profound impact judges have on individuals, families, and the community. I am committed to faithfully applying the law, ensuring every person is treated with respect.

DeMichael: My career includes criminal prosecution and defense, employment and civil rights, insurance defense, civil litigation, and some family law. Since Tenth Circuit judges rotate through criminal, civil, family, dependency, and probate divisions, that breadth is an asset. I have never been afraid to take on new challenges, learn unfamiliar areas of law, and put in the work necessary to get it right. That experience has prepared me to serve effectively wherever I am assigned.

Dixon: My experience in criminal, family, disability, and civil law has prepared me to handle a broad range of circuit court cases. I have tried more than 75 jury and non-jury trials, managed complex litigation, and served as a Civil Traffic Hearing Officer. These roles have strengthened my ability to analyze legal issues, manage dockets efficiently, and make fair, impartial decisions based on the law and the facts.

DeMichael: I have been fortunate to practice before many outstanding judges and I have learned something from each of them. The judges I most admire were consistently prepared, patient, impartial, and respectful. They listened carefully, treated everyone with dignity, maintained the decorum of the courtroom, and inspired confidence that every case had been thoughtfully considered. Those are the qualities I strive to emulate.

Dixon: I have been fortunate to learn from many outstanding judges throughout my career, and each has influenced my approach to the law. I most admire judges who are prepared, patient, humble, and unwaveringly committed to applying the law fairly and impartially. They treat every person with dignity and respect, manage their courtrooms with professionalism, and remember that every case has a profound impact on the lives of those before them.

DeMichael: My judicial philosophy is to faithfully interpret and apply the Constitution and the law as written. A judge’s duty is to begin with the text, apply established principles of interpretation, and follow binding precedent, not pursue a preferred outcome or personal agenda. Every person deserves due process, the opportunity to be heard, and to be treated with dignity and respect. Justice requires preparation, impartiality, integrity, and an even temperament.

Dixon: My judicial philosophy is grounded in textualism, judicial restraint, and the rule of law. A judge’s duty is to faithfully interpret and apply the Constitution and statutes as written, not to legislate from the bench or substitute personal views for the law. Every decision should be based on the facts, the governing law, and binding precedent. This approach promotes fairness, consistency, and predictability while ensuring every litigant receives equal justice under the law.