Backman's term on the JQC was set to expire December 31st, 2018. Silvernail's term was to run through December 31st, 2016. Their replacements could be picked as early as next week, after the circuit judges vote during their regularly scheduled conference. The new members' terms will run through the dates of their predecessors' original terms. Current JQC vice-chair Rick Morales becomes the new chair, and Kerry Evander steps into the vice-chair.
Paul Backman's email sent to Broward judges this morning at 8:54 AM:
Good morning.....I wanted all of you to hear this from me as the rumors are flying all over the place.
I resigned my position on the Commission yesterday afternoon. This decision has been contemplated for the last 6 months. After speaking yesterday with the Commission Chair and Vice-Chair, we decided collectively, with the Conference next week, this was the right time to do this.
I have appreciated all of your support over the years, but believed, with close to 8 years as a member, it was time.
Again, my thanks for everything.
Paul
Also, Krista Marx is already lobbying hard to replace Silvernail. Marx's email to judges statewide:
Dear Colleague,
I am writing to request your support in the election for the JQC position which is being vacated by Judge Preston Silvernail. I possess the qualifications, experience and reputation to serve the members of the judiciary well. I have been on the bench since January, 1999 and have served in a broad range of divisions. Over the last fifteen years, I have been dedicated to the improvement and integrity of the bench. Prior to becoming a judge I was a prosecutor for many years. My experience gained through spending nearly every day of the last twenty eight years in a courtroom is an important perspective that will contribute to the effectiveness of the commission. I hope you will take the opportunity to review my brief bio.
I have also attached a list of classes or lectures that I have given. The contested election will be held at the conference business meeting in Daytona on August 5th.You must be present at the meeting to vote. I hope I can count on your support. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions. Thank you for your consideration.
Best Regards,
Krista Marx
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Brooke Kennerly, executive director of the JQC, was asked whether Backman had been the subject of complaints or otherwise in some type of trouble that necessitated his resignation so early in his second term. Her response echoed Backman's statement to us earlier today, that being on the JQC is a lot of work, and that the judge had simply had enough after eight years.
And there you have it ...
Coming Soon - Who is Krista Marx, and why the JQC?
WEDNESDAY REVERSALS:
HOLMES REVERSED & REMANDED FOR NEW TRIAL ON JAIL CLOTHES ISSUE
LEVENSON REVERSED & REMANDED TO ENTER JOA
HAIMES REVERSED IN PART AND REMANDED
HAFELE REVERSED AND REMANDED
FRENCH REVERSED & REMANDED
HOROWITZ REVERSED & REMANDED IN PART
DESTRY REVERSED & REMANDED TO IMPOSE A NON-PRISON SENTENCE
Kimberly Dinkines appeals the sentence imposed after she was found guilty of false verification of ownership or false identification given to a pawnbroker. Dinkines argues that because her Criminal Punishment Code score was four, her conviction was for a non-forcible felony, and no competent evidence existed that she was a danger to the public, the court was required to impose a nonstate prison sanction instead of the three years in prison she received. We agree with Dinkines ... (Emphasis Added)