Ernie LiCalsi
Ernie LiCalsi biography
As the longest serving District Attorney in Madera’s history, and having taught evening law classes at Fresno State for the last nine years, I’m the most qualified candidate for Superior Court Judge.
As a prosecutor, and as the District Attorney, I have made many tough decisions during my carreer. In addition, I am the only candidate that has served the Madera community as little league president, service club member, New Hope Madera president, Ronald McDonald House board president and high school mock trial coach, to name a few.
I believe that my trial and decision making experience as District Attorney, my experience as a college professor, and my community involvement make me the best candidate to serve as Madera County’s next Superior Court judge. My decisions will not be made in a vacuum. They will be made with knowledge and experience, both of the law and of this community.
LiCalsi on backlogs
There are a number of reasons for case backlog in the justice system. First, there are simply not enough prosecutors or public defenders to properly do the job. When attorneys are not prepared due to their heavy caseloads, both defendants and the public suffer as cases get continued.
Second, California judges are not properly equipped with laws to force cases to move faster. If an attorney continually gets continuances because he or she is not ready to proceed, the judge has only two choices available. The judge can remove the attorney and appoint new counsel. Unfortunately, the new counsel will need time to prepare. Thus, the case will be continued anyway. The judge may also hold the attorney in contempt. However this procedure is so difficult and cumbersome that is is not very effective.
LiCalsi on courtroom efficiency
Under the current law, a judge must continually monitor the cases before him/ her and pressure the attorneys for each side to be prepared. Judges who do this are the most effective. Proper case management by a judge is the most effective tool to ensuring that both sides' right to a speedy trial is more than just words in a book.
LiCalsi on courtroom security
The Madera County Courthouse is nothing more than a condemned elementary school. Until a new courthouse is built, there will be no way of completely insuring the safety of anyone doing business at the courthouse. There are too many side doors where improper access to the building may be accomplished.
However, given the circumstances at hand, it is clear that all egress out of the building from any passage other than the main entrance must be eliminated. A security system that prohibits such egress unless there was an emergency or the person has a specially issued electronic pass that would allow for such egress, must and will be instituted.
The Sheriff's Office and the security company provide an adequate level of security given the unfortunate layout of the building in which they work.