Name: John “Johnny” Weekes
Date and place of birth: January 30, 1975 Portsmouth Virginia Naval Hospital
Office sought: Circuit Court Judge Group 38
Campaign website: weekesforjudge.com
List in reverse chronological order each college, university and law school and indicate years of attendance.
Nova Southeastern Law School Graduated 2001
Virginia Military Institute 1997
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Weekes Law, P.L. – current-2004
Broward County Public Defender 2004-2001
As a lawyer, judge, or both, describe what types of cases you have typically handled?
Traditionally I have handled mostly criminal cases. As a Public Defender I got my start in the Juvenile division helping the young boys and girls in Broward County. However, I have handled numerous civil restraining orders and civil cases over my 24 years of experience. I truly enjoy the criminal realm the most representing individuals charged from Misdemeanors to serious Felony cases.
If you are an attorney, how many cases have you tried in the past five years? Of those cases, how many were tried before juries to verdicts and how many were tried before a judge?
I have tried over 100 trials in my career. In the last five years I have tried at least 20 trials. Mostly all were tried before juries.
If you are a judge, how many jury trials have you presided over that resulted in verdicts and judgments?
N/A
Have you been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details, including case style, jurisdiction and details of disposition.
No
Have you been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including adjudications of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates of conviction and terms of sentence.
No
Have you ever been disciplined by the Florida Supreme Court as a result of a recommendation by the Florida Bar? If so, provide details.
No
List three cases in which you were lead or co-counsel and why they are significant.
1. In a trial over five years ago in Port Saint Lucie, a young black man faced charges of burglary of a dwelling. Despite a week-long trial and no jurors who were representative of his peers, he was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison as a first-time offender. I was firmly convinced the Court should have granted a motion for a directed verdict, given the evidence presented at trial. On appeal, after a lengthy year-long wait, the 4th District Court of Appeals agreed, dismissing the case and releasing him immediately. This case shed light on disparities and injustices within the state’s legal system, emphasizing the need for reform to ensure equitable treatment for all individuals, regardless of the race of the individual or the jurisdiction he or she litigates within.
2. Whenever any client completes the rigorous drug court program and embarks on their journey from addiction to recovery. Witnessing their transformation, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and empathy. The year-long program challenges participants with counseling, rehabilitation, and court appearances. Graduation day symbolizes their triumph over addiction, often with tears of joy, from the clients’ families reflecting the significant impact the journey of sobriety has had on them. These successes underscore the need for ongoing support in the fight against substance abuse.
3. In a recent drug trafficking trial, I was reminded that paying meticulous attention to detail proves pivotal in securing justice for any client. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds with no true defense in mind, my commitment to scrutinizing every detail of the case proved to be crucial. On the day of jury selection, a factual inconsistency dawned on me that ultimately led to my client’s acquittal. The case seemed dire from the outset, with the defendant maintaining their innocence amidst grave accusations. Yet, as the trial unfolded, a key piece of evidence emerged – mail found at the scene, dated coincidentally with the police raid. However, upon closer examination, it became clear that the mail had been strategically placed alongside the illicit substances, suggesting a staged crime scene. This revelation sparked a newfound sense of clarity. Using this factual inconsistency, I poked a massive hole in the prosecution’s case, resulting in a verdict of “not guilty.” This case serves as a reminder of the profound impact of diligence and perseverance in the face of adversity. In a complex arena like litigation, even the smallest details can wield a massive influence, shaping the outcome for those involved in the situation.
If you have provided any significant pro bono legal services in the past 10 years, please provide details.
The bulk of my pro bono legal work involves representing individuals who can’t afford my services but seek help for the injustices they face, and I do what I can to assist. I’m also passionate about giving back to our legal community, which is why each summer, I take on interns. I enjoy mentoring them, imparting valuable insights into the legal field I practice in, and guiding them in becoming the community’s future litigators.
List current and former memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations.
National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers 2016
If you are or were an officer or director or engaged in management of any business enterprise other than a law practice, list its name and business activity, your duties and whether you intend to resign upon your election.
N/A
Why are you running for this office?
During my legal career, I’ve dedicated myself to advocating for the rights of others, starting as a public defender and later as a criminal defense attorney. Public service runs deep in my family; my father and his brothers retired as decorated navy captains, while my mother and siblings dedicated their careers to the public school system. With a desire to give back to my community and honor my roots in public service, I see no greater opportunity than serving the citizens of Broward County as a Circuit Court judge.
If you have chosen to run for judicial office against an incumbent, specify why you have done so.
During my 25-year career as a trial attorney, I’ve had the privilege of standing before numerous judges across the state of Florida. In that time, I’ve encountered both positive and negative experiences. However, one consistent thread prevailed: my clients and I were always treated with dignity and respect. Regardless of whether I agreed with their rulings, I could trust that they acted in the belief that they were upholding justice and fairness for the citizens they were elected to serve. Regrettably, this sentiment does not extend to my opponent’s courtroom. Alongside many colleagues, I’ve witnessed numerous instances where decisions seemed driven not by a commitment to justice or supported by the law, as evidenced by the frequent reversals of her rulings by the 4th District Court of Appeals. The citizens of Broward County deserve better.
If you have sought appointment as a judge through a Judicial Nominating Commission, provide details, including year(s) and results.
I have never sought appointment through the Judicial Nominating Commission.
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
I promise that if I am entrusted with the great honor and responsibility of presiding as a Circuit Court Judge, that every citizen that walks into my courtroom, whether they are the Petitioner, Respondent, witness or lawyer, will be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.
What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a judge?
My life experiences have equipped me well to serve as a judge in Broward County. I view judging as akin to calling “balls and strikes” and adhering to the law, similar to the challenges of parenting — every parent understands the intricacies of raising children from young kids to teenagers. With teenage twins of my own, my daily role as a father involves making judgment calls and providing structure, not far from the duties of a judge. Moreover, my career as a trial lawyer, spending each day in court, has exposed me to the vast majority of judges statewide. These courtroom experiences shape my vision of the judge I aspire to be. I firmly believe that a judge’s decisions hold extremely significant importance because of the way those decisions can impact numerous lives. With my experience and qualifications, I am best suited to preside over the citizens of Broward County.
What are three major challenges facing the justice system in Broward County, Florida or the U.S.?
⦁ Having practiced law extensively across Florida, including in federal courts throughout the county, I’ve observed disparities in the application of laws across jurisdictions. While the laws of the state remain the same, their interpretation and implementation by judges vary greatly.
⦁ The justice system recently has taken on a new face with party lines seemingly distracting us from the letter of the law.
⦁ I believe the next challenge will be how the justice system adapts to AI and how it could structure laws to protect the citizens at the same time allow for innovation that can make the system better.
