GANT News recently conducted a questionnaire with the candidates for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Clearfield County.
The purpose of this questionnaire is so that voters can use candidate responses to gauge the views, experience and knowledge of the candidates.
Candidates were urged to be thorough in their responses with no word or paragraph limits.
The four candidates are Josh Maines (Democrat), Adrianne Peters Sipes (Republican), Ryan Sayers (Republican), William Shaw Jr. (Republican).
Provide a brief professional and personal background.
Maines: I was born in Clearfield County and raised in Mineral Springs. I grew up in a modest, yet loving home with my four brothers and my parents. We were not wealthy, but I always felt like I had everything. My parents were very active in the church, and both were singers in musical bands. From the time I was a child, faith and music have been defining forces in my life.
I graduated in 1996 from Clearfield High School, where I had been class president and a member of several clubs as well as the wrestling team. I went on to get a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After an internship with a prominent Clearfield County lawyer, I knew I wanted to become an attorney and decided to earn my Juris Doctorate from Widener School of Law.
I am honored to have served Clearfield County as Assistant District Attorney for five and a half years. I successfully prosecuted matters in jury trials, as well as in state and federal appeals. During this time in the District Attorney’s office, I was fortunate to gain mutual respect of law enforcement officers, which has persisted throughout my private practice.
As a private attorney, I have practiced in many areas of law, including criminal defense, protecting landowners in real estate matters, negotiating energy leases, family law, estates, estate planning and litigation in a variety of civil matters. My work has expanded to include practice before the Courts of Common Pleas in roughly 30 counties. This has provided me with the opportunity to experience the varying processes and differing programs and perspectives among courts throughout the state. I am confident that this exposure to the courts will crucially assist me should I be honored with the grave responsibility to serve as your judge.?? I have also litigated in appellate courts, including the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, Pennsylvania Superior Court, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Over the course of my years in private practice, I was honored to be named “Best Criminal Attorney” by Best of Tri-County and “Best Criminal Defense Lawyer” in The Progress Readers’ Choice Awards. I am a member of the Clearfield County, Centre County, and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. I am proud to have been selected to serve on the Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Advisory Commission where I worked with a group of talented Commissioners from across the state to review policy and make recommendations to improve both the safety of law enforcement officers and the public.?
I am the father of five amazing kids (Dominic, Angelo, Nicolette, Santana and Sophi) and the husband of the best wife and life-partner a person could ever ask for (Nikki). These will always be the greatest honors of my life. I have served as Music Director and Worship Leader at Gethsemane United Methodist for the last fourteen years and have participated in many community and charity events, including overdose awareness, domestic violence awareness, and cancer benefit events.
Peters Sipes: I was born and raised in Clearfield. I am a graduate of Clearfield High School, Clemson University, and Charlotte School of Law. Upon graduating law school, I returned to Clearfield County and entered private practice with the firm of Lavelle & Peters, Ltd. in DuBois. In 2020, I established Compass Estate Planning & Elder Law in Clearfield. Over nearly 15 years, I have practiced in various areas of law, appearing in many courts across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including appellate and administrative courts. I am the only attorney in Clearfield County to be accredited by the Veteran’s Administration, allowing me to represent claimants before the VA. I am admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and before the United States Supreme Court.
I currently serve as the President of the Clearfield County Bar Association. I am also active in the Pennsylvania Bar Association, serving on the Board of Governors, House of Delegates, and as the Chair-Elect of the Young Lawyer’s Division. I am also on the Executive Council of the American Bar Association Real Property, Trusts and Estates Section, a Delegate to the Young Lawyer’s Division Assembly, and a past member of the ABA House of Delegates. I have been appointed by two governors to serve as the attorney representative to the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council.
I am active in the local community serving on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Aid Society as the chair of the Adoption and Foster Care Committee and a member of the Youth Mentoring Committee. I am a Past President and current board member of the Clearfield Soccer Association, where I am the Pee Wee Soccer Coordinator. I am also the Vice President of the PTO at my children’s school. I am a member of Grace United Presbyterian Church in Glen Richey, and have served as a Deacon for the Mt. Top Larger Parish.
I reside in Clearfield with my husband, Nick, of Cuwensville, and our sons Kade (7) and Deklan (5).
Sayers: I am a lifelong resident of Clearfield County being raised in Frenchville by my parents Paul and Therese Sayers. In 2005, I graduated from Clearfield Area High School and then earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington & Jefferson College, majoring in History and Political Science. After graduating from W&J, I earned my Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law.
Following successful passage of the bar exam, I was employed by the firm of Naddeo & Lewis, LLC in Clearfield for a few years, and then had my own law office for about three years in Clearfield. In 2019, I was elected as your District Attorney and am currently in my second term. As District Attorney, I directly supervise an office staff of 11, work in cooperation with state and local law enforcement agencies and oversee approximately 1,200 criminal cases each year.
As DA, I currently hold quarterly meetings with all law enforcement agencies in the county and have improved communication and cooperation between the different law enforcement agencies at all levels—local, state, and federal. This has led to larger scale drug cases being prosecuted at the county level, certain drug cases being adopted for prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office at the federal level and successfully taking drug traffickers off the streets with lengthy sentences to state and/or federal prison.
Outside of the courtroom, service to the community is an important part of my life. I volunteer my time and talents with numerous nonprofit organizations to include being on or formerly serving as an executive board member for the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre, the Clearfield YMCA, the Clearfield County Bar Association, the Bucktail Council of Scouting America, the Good Samaritan Center, the Greater Clearfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Young People Who Care. Of those organizations, I served as president of the Clearfield YMCA, Clearfield County Bar Association, and the Good Samaritan Center.
In my ‘free time’, I am a tenor in the Clearfield Choral Society, cantor at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, perform on stage in shows and musicals at the local community theatre, runs ultramarathons, and enjoy the outdoors by hunting, hiking, camping, kayaking, and golfing.
I live in Clearfield, and am engaged to be married to my fiancée, Kayla Lavella, who currently lives in State College.
Shaw Jr.: I have been an attorney for three decades. Upon graduating law school, I served Clearfield County as a judicial law clerk for then President Judge, John K. Reilly, Jr., and Judge Fredric J. Ammerman. In 1997, I was hired by then District Attorney, now Judge, Paul E. Cherry, as an Assistant District Attorney, and ultimately appointed to serve as the First Assistant District Attorney. In November 20023, I was elected to serve as the District Attorney in Clearfield and held that position for 16 years. After serving 22 years as a prosecuting attorney, I opened the Shaw Law Group, where I currently maintain a private practice.
I am a lifelong resident of Clearfield County and a 1985 graduate of Clearfield High School. Following high school graduation, I enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served both on both active duty and in the Coast Guard Reserves.
I am the son of former Clearfield County Prothonotary William A. Shaw and the late Regina Shaw. I have been married to the love of my life, Jennifer, for 20 years. We are the loving parents of our two labradors, Marty and Roanin, and we make our home in Penfield.
What made you decide to run for judge?
Maines: I am running for judge because I have the level of knowledge, experience, patience, temperament and demeanor to faithfully and impartially execute justice in the Court of Common Pleas of Clearfield County. I was approached by several of my peers within the county bar to run for judge, because they know my reputation for being fair, they know my record in courtroom litigation, and they know that I am fit for the role of judge. My professional peers and colleagues have witnessed my temperament and demeanor, as well as my ability to listen, and encouraged me to seek this position.
Clearfield County deserves a fair and impartial judge who has experience in a wide variety of practice areas and jurisdictions. I am the candidate who is best suited to fulfill this role. I will be ready on day one to preside over cases in pretty much every practice area, because my experience has already taken me there. Clearfield County deserves an experienced judge who has a reputation for being fair, maintaining a steady demeanor, and keeping a good temperament in stressful court-room situations. I decided to run because I know that I am the person for this job.
Peters Sipes: I have always had an interest in a judicial position. Throughout my legal career, I’ve seen how much impact a fair and respectful courtroom can have on people’s lives. I’m committed to ensuring that everyone who enters the courtroom—regardless of their background—feels heard and receives fair treatment under the law. I believe deeply in the responsibility of the judiciary to serve with fairness, compassion, and integrity. This is especially true as a significant portion of this judge’s caseload will involve family law and matters involving children. Throughout my legal career, I’ve worked closely with cases that impact families and children, and I’ve seen how crucial it is for our courts to be places where the needs of vulnerable youth are understood and prioritized. Whether it’s in matters of custody, child protection, or juvenile justice, I’m committed to ensuring that children’s voices are heard and their best interests are always at the center of the decision-making process. Running for judge is my way of helping build a system where families can trust that their concerns will be treated with dignity, and where children have a real chance at a safer, more stable future.
Sayers: As District Attorney, I see the inner workings of the justice system in Clearfield County on a daily basis, I am aware of how other counties handle their respective caseloads, and I believe I am the most qualified candidate to handle the wide breath of cases that will come before the next judge. I am running to bring my knowledge of the law, desire for justice, and proven impartiality to the bench, and to bring new ideas, policies, and procedures to the justice system in Clearfield County.
Shaw Jr.: I decided to run for judge because the position is far too important to be held by someone without the necessary experience and qualifications. I have both. A judge is required to make split-second decisions during a trial that may have profound consequences. Without the necessary experience, those decisions can be wrong. When a judge makes a wrong decision, an innocent person could go to prison, or a guilty person could go free. My three decades as a trial attorney provided me with exceptional experience providing me with the necessary skills to serve as the next judge in Clearfield County.
Please list your qualifications for the position?
Maines: I have both broad and extensive trial and courtroom experience across many areas of law and across many jurisdictions.
I have extensive trial and appellate experience as both a prosecutor and a private attorney, and in both criminal and civil law matters. To my knowledge, I am the only candidate running for judge in this election who has courtroom litigation experience in at least 26 counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I am in the courtroom practically every day, often in multiple counties.
In terms of practice areas, I have worked extensively in criminal law as both a prosecutor and a private attorney, in jury trials and appeals, ranging from charges of First-Degree Murder to DUI, and pretty much everything in between. I have courtroom litigation experience in several civil law areas, including real estate disputes, contract disputes, negligence, environmental law, administrative law, estate litigation, corporate shareholder litigation, and more.
In family law related matters, I have experience in custody and divorce litigation, domestic relations matters, juvenile delinquency, and juvenile dependency matters.
I have a drive for justice, and a zeal for fairness and impartiality. I have a working knowledge of the law and a strong grasp on legal concepts covering many practice areas. I possess the diligence and work ethic to research and follow the law.
Peter Sipes: I have practiced law for nearly fifteen years. During that period, I have conducted both civil and criminal jury trials, divorce, custody, adoptions, dependency and truancy matters, guardianships, estate litigation, VA benefits, property disputes, construction litigation, unemployment compensation, etc. I have also served as guardian ad litem in child custody and adoption matters. I currently have open cases in the following areas: estate planning, estate administration, estate litigation, divorce, custody, criminal appeals, adoptions, VA benefits, Medical Assistance applications and appeals, Social Security appeals, quiet title actions, and property transfers. These cases take me not only to the Common Pleas Courts, but also to the appellate and administrative courts as well.
In addition to my hands-on experience, my involvement with the Pennsylvania Bar Association Board of Governors and House of Delegates has allowed me to stay up to date with new legislation that affects both procedural and substantive areas of law. In this role, we review reports and recommendations from various committees and sections and provide support of, or opposition to, that particular legislation. That legislation is tracked as it goes through the process, so if there is a change in a law, we are aware by being part of that body. This is of great benefit while serving on the bench so that the judge is applying the most recent and applicable law to those issues that come before them.
Lastly, this judicial position will handle a large amount of cases involving children. My experience in currently raising young children, as well as volunteer roles in the community provide me with the necessary ability to truly understand the unique issues that children and parents face in today’s world.
Sayers: Over the past five years, the people of this great County have trusted me with the Office of District Attorney, which includes the broad power of prosecutorial discretion. Each day, I make decisions relating to cases in order to protect the people of Clearfield County and to seek justice. During my career, I have been a prosecutor, defense attorney, and handled custody disputes, contract negotiations, and complex civil litigation.
I am uniquely qualified for the position of judge because I review facts and the law on a daily basis as District Attorney and come to fair, impartial, and just decisions regardless of the criticism from the parties or the public. This is the type of judge that the people of Clearfield County deserve–one that follows the law as written, makes just decisions, is not swayed by public opinion, and has a proven record of being that type of judge.
Between my years in private practice and as District Attorney, I have the unique experience of understanding the diverse cases that would come before me as judge here in Clearfield County, and I am running for judge to bring that knowledge and same fair approach to the bench.
Shaw Jr.: I have been practicing both civil and criminal law for three decades. I am the only candidate to have served for 22 years as a prosecuting attorney, with 16 years as the elected District Attorney. I have extensive trial experience and am the only candidate to have conducted both civil and criminal jury trials. I have experience with every type of case a judge is expected to handle.
What is your experience dealing with:
Maines:
Child Custody Issues- I have litigated many child custody matters over the last decade. I have successfully litigated custody trials and appeals. I have negotiated and drafted custody consent orders, and litigated emergency custody petitions, contempt proceedings, relocation proceedings and other matters regarding child custody issues.
Domestic Abuse-I have prosecuted and defended many criminal matters involving domestic abuse. I have served as counsel for both the Plaintiff and the Defendant in protection from abuse (PFA) hearings. I have also prosecuted and defended numerous Indirect Criminal Contempt proceedings involving alleged violations of PFA orders.
Divorce Settlements- I have litigated many divorce matters over the last decade, including drafting many family settlement agreements to resolve divorce cases. I have also drafted pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and litigated equitable distribution hearings and other divorce-related proceedings.
Juvenile Cases- I have prosecuted and defended scores and scores of juvenile delinquency matters, negotiating adjudications and dispositions for minors accused of a broad range of crimes. I have litigated many juvenile delinquency hearings and reviews.
Criminal Cases- I have extensive trial and appellate experience as both a prosecutor and a private attorney, and in criminal Law. I have successfully tried a good number of jury trials and litigated numerous appeals, ranging from charges of First-Degree Murder to DUI, and pretty much everything in between. I cannot even begin to estimate the number of criminal matters that I have handled over the years. I believe that I am the only candidate to have handled criminal cases and negotiated outcomes for clients in at least 26 counties in the state I have been selected for and served on the Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Advisory Commission, one of twenty voting commissioners from across the state. I was also the first candidate in this race for judge to be endorsed by local law enforcement.
Peters Sipes:
Child Custody Issues- I have been handling custody cases for my entire career. At my first firm, I handled the majority of the family law cases that came through the office. Since that time, I have handled custody cases on a regular basis and still have active custody cases. Additionally, I have served as guardian ad litem in child custody cases, where I advocate for the best interest of the child. There is a large amount of discretion when it comes to custody cases, and the impact that the judge’s decisions have on a child are not lost on me. These decisions can impact that child for the rest of their lives, whether it is where they will go to school, whether they are in a safe environment, how much time they are spending with either parent, what their day to day schedule will look like in following a custody order, and what family and recreational activities they can, or cannot, participate in with the particular schedule developed by the judge. As previously discussed, being current on legislative updates is crucial in these cases as the legislature has made significant changes in the past year as to how custody cases are to be evaluated, and, in addition, provided alternative dispute resolution options to how family law matters can be handled.
Domestic Abuse – I have represented many clients in Protection from Abuse Hearings on both sides (pursuing and defending) the actions. This has involved representation at hearings, and also coming to agreements to resolve the matter. In addition to direct involvement, I have assisted clients in making the appropriate contacts with community resources to ensure their needs are being met and to ensure their ongoing safety.
Divorce Settlements – Again, I have handled divorce cases since the beginning of my career and have current, active divorce cases. I have experience in handling these cases through negotiations, hearings before a Divorce Master, and filing objections to the Master’s recommendations, which goes before the Common Pleas judge.
Juvenile Cases – The week after I was licensed to practice law, I appeared in Court for the first time on a juvenile dependency matter. In Clearfield County, these cases are heard on a monthly basis. It was not uncommon for me to have several cases per month for the majority of my career. Additionally, I have handled truancy matters and juvenile delinquency as well. In these roles, I have represented the parents as well as serving as guardian ad litem for the children involved.
Criminal Cases – I also have experience in criminal law. I have had several cases proceed to a jury trial, not only in Clearfield County, but also Jefferson and Elk Counties. I have experience in handling preliminary hearings, pre-trial motions challenging multiple issues related to sufficiency and admissibility of evidence, plea negotiations, jury selection, bench and jury trials, post-trial motions, and appeals to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
Sayers:
Child custody issues- While I was in private practice, a significant portion of my clients were mothers, fathers, grandparents, and guardians in various custody matters. I would regularly file or defend emergency custody petitions, appear for custody conference, negotiate at custody mediations, and advocated for my clients during full custody trials.
Domestic abuse- Sadly, domestic violence and abuse are a regular part of the criminal justice system in Clearfield County, and much of it is related to the abuse of control substances. My experience with domestic violence and abuse comes from speaking with victims of such crimes and their families and also holding people accountable when abuse occurs.
Divorce settlements– Many custody cases also start out as being part of an overall divorce matter. While in private practice, I worked with my clients to negotiate settlements of marital estates. This also included working with plan administrators to resolve potential issues about retirement policies.
Juvenile cases– In private practice and as District Attorney, I handle and have handled juvenile criminal and delinquency cases before the Court of Common Pleas. Many do not get to see the workings of the juvenile system because they are ‘closed’ proceedings, which means they are not open to the general public to observe. This is built into the law in order to protect the juvenile while working to rehabilitate and/or get the juvenile the help he/she needs. The ultimate goal of juvenile proceedings is to get the child on the right track and hopefully will not be part of the adult criminal justice system after the age of eighteen.
Criminal cases- I am in my second term as the District Attorney in Clearfield County and prior to that I was a private defense attorney. I have a wide range of experience in the criminal justice system from working with investigators, approving search warrants, conducting preliminary hearings, litigating motions and petitions, handling single and multiple day trials for murder, drug trafficking, rape, arson, and drug delivery resulting in death to name a few, and arguing appeals before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth and Superior Courts.
Shaw Jr.:
Child custody issues- I have represented hundreds of clients in family law court. I have personally conducted complicated custody trials, and I have negotiated scores of custody agreements. I have the necessary experience to handle child custody issues as a judge.
Domestic abuse- As a prosecuting attorney, I have prosecuted hundreds of cases involving domestic abuse. I have also represented clients facing PFA complaints and allegations of domestic abuse. I have personally and successfully prosecuted domestic abuse cases involving extreme abuse, including murder. I understand the issues facing both prosecutors and defense attorneys, and I have seen the extremely complicated issues from both sides. I am well qualified to handle these types of cases.
Divorce settlements- I have represented hundreds of clients in divorce proceedings and have negotiated countless divorce settlements. I am fully aware of the laws surrounding divorce trials and settlements, and I am well qualified to handle these cases.
Juvenile cases- I have served as both a prosecutor and defense attorney for juvenile cases. I have conducted countless juvenile trials. As a prosecutor, I have had juveniles certified as adults for very serious crimes, like murder. I have also defended juveniles facing adult charges. I am fully qualified to handle any type of juvenile case that a judge might face.
How many trials have you personally handled in both civil and criminal court?
Maines: Over the years, my focus has been on delivering positive outcomes for the public as a prosecutor and for private clients as a private attorney. With that, I have not kept personal statistics and cannot possibly answer this question to any level of specificity. I can only guess that I have personally handled well over a hundred criminal and civil related trials over the last fifteen or so years, with many of them being jury trials. I am a trial attorney, that is what I do and what I have done for many years now. I am in court on a daily basis.
Peters Sipes: I have not kept an exact count over the years, but I’ve handled a substantial number of hearings and trials—both bench and jury—across a range of civil and criminal matters. My hearing and trial experience spans everything from criminal law, family law, construction litigation, estate litigation, dependency and truancy matters, contractual disputes, real estate title issues, and more. Needless to say, I’ve spent a significant amount of time in the courtroom advocating for clients over nearly fifteen years. I have taken civil and criminal cases to jury trial in Clearfield, Jefferson, and Elk counties. Additionally, I have filed cases in the Court of Common Pleas in at least ten counties in the Commonwealth that have ultimately been decided by a judge.
Sayers: I have personally handled numerous trials between the civil and criminal divisions here in Clearfield County, and other hearings in regards to motions and petitions related to civil and criminal cases.
Between the dockets, I have personally handled week long murder trials, arson cases, drug delivery resulting death cases, the rape of a child case, and possession with the intent to deliver controlled substances cases to a name a few. Needless to say, I have plenty of experience being in a courtroom and handling cases before a judge and jury.
Shaw Jr.: I have conducted nearly 150 jury trials, far more than any other candidate. I am the only candidate who has conducted both criminal and civil jury trials. As a prosecuting attorney, I have personally conducted countless jury trials of every type of case imaginable from death penalty murder cases to DUI. I have successfully prosecuted murder, rape, child rape, burglary, drugs, white collar crime, aggravated assault, DUI homicide by vehicle, child pornography, white collar crime, arson, theft, and everything in between. In my three decades as a trial attorney, I have done every imaginable type of case, and I am the only candidate with that extensive experience and qualification. More importantly, when I served as the District Attorney, I personally conducted these trials by myself. I did not require assistance or rely on others for guidance. As the District Attorney, it was my responsibility to handle the major felony trials, and that is what I did. Jury trials are the most important responsibility for a judge, and I am the most qualified candidate to assume this position.
Do you have experience as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor?
Maines: Yes. I have very deep and broad experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. I have outlined this in several questions above and will spare you further repetition.
Peters Sipes: As a licensed attorney, I have represented criminal clients at both the trial and appellate levels. In law school, I had the privilege of serving as a Certified Legal Intern with the Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office. As such, I was permitted to practice under the supervision of a licensed attorney. During this internship, I was able to represent the Commonwealth in preliminary hearings, sentencing court, motions court, and even a bench trial. I will note that serving as a prosecutor is not a prerequisite for the position, and many of the Common Pleas judges across the Commonwealth have not served as prosecutors. When someone spends most of their career focused on prosecution, it can be difficult to fully transition into the neutral, balanced role that a judge must play. Judges must approach every case with impartiality—not with a mindset shaped by years of working primarily to secure convictions. This approach can lead to appellate issues, which is burdensome to the taxpayers. Our courts need voices who understand the whole picture: the rights of the accused, the needs of victims, and the broader impacts on families and communities, especially when children are involved. I believe that our bench benefits from diverse legal backgrounds, not just one perspective, so that everyone can trust that they’ll be treated fairly. Additionally, in diversifying my practice, I am better equipped to handle the broad range of cases that would come before me as a judge, as opposed to someone who has strictly practiced in the criminal context for the majority of their career.
Sayers: Yes, I do. When I was in private practice with Naddeo & Lewis, LLC and in my own law office, I was a private defense attorney and also court appointed conflict counsel for those that were indigent. Since January of 2020, I have been the District Attorney here in Clearfield County. As District Attorney, I am not only responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in the courtroom, but also have to regularly review investigations, charges, and search warrants to apply the facts to the law and make sure that justice is done in each case.
Shaw Jr.: I have worked for 22 years as a prosecuting attorney, and I have spent the last six years working as a defense attorney. I have experience on both sides, and I am very familiar with the laws, rules, and procedures for both a prosecutor and defense attorney. As a District Attorney, I have successfully prosecuted every type of case imaginable. As a defense attorney, I have successfully represented clients charged with every type of crime from murder to DUI.
What is the most difficult criminal case you have ever handled and how did you overcome those challenges?
Maines: I will choose not to discuss facts of specific cases. Even without naming names, I do not wish to risk breaching attorney-client confidentiality. All cases come with their unique difficulties, and any type of criminal matter can provide challenges. As a trial attorney, you learn through experience how to adapt to changing situations and unexpected moments in trial where your only chance at success is to think fast and to respond “on the spot.” In my experience, the more exhaustive the preparation, the more ready you are to face the most difficult challenges that a trial may present to you.
Peters Sipes: One of the most difficult cases I’ve worked on involved allegations of child abuse. I can’t share names or case specifics due to confidentiality, but what made it especially challenging was the emotional intensity on all sides. Cases involving children invoke strong feelings to all involved— as parents, with the parties involved, and the community itself—and it was my responsibility to focus on the facts, uphold due process, and ensure the legal rights of my client were protected. These cases require a great deal of sensitivity and emotional resilience as the child needed to be interviewed regarding the allegations to determine whether they could, or could not, ultimately testify at trial. It is always difficult to put a child in a situation where they need to testify, but it is extremely important to have a judge that has the temperament to be able to appropriately interview a child yet is firm in being able to manage and control their courtroom.
Sayers: There is one case that stands out as the most difficult because of an evidentiary issue that was stacked against me. The defendant was charged with the attempted murder of an elderly man, and the defense attorney had the defendant evaluated to see if the defendant could stand trial. The doctor’s report came back that the defendant was capable of standing trial, but the doctor’s opinion was that the defendant could not be guilty because he lacked the mental intent to commit murder.
During the course of trial, I was able to get of record the statements of the defendant, prior acts of the defendant, and challenge the doctor on her conclusions as to the defendant’s culpability. At the end of the trial, the jury sided with me that the defendant, while having some mental health issues, did understand the consequences of his actions and found him guilty by mentally ill and he was sentenced to years in state prison where he can get the help he needs while also protecting society.
Shaw Jr.: I have handled many difficult cases, from murder to child abuse. I have successfully prosecuted these types of cases because my experience and knowledge of the law have provided me with the skills necessary to overcome difficult fact patterns to achieve justice.
As a prosecutor, my most difficult case was a child abuse case where a child was murdered. I was able to work closely with the State Police to bring justice to this innocent child and her family.
As a defense attorney, my most difficult case came recently when an 80-year-old man was wrongfully convicted of terrible crimes. After the conviction, I was retained to review the transcripts and the case details. I quickly discovered that this 80-year-old man had been wrongly accused and prosecuted. The prosecuting attorney had never done a trial like this before, the defense attorney had never done a trial like this before, and the retired judge who was from another county had no qualifications for this type of trial. Many mistakes occurred at the trial and an innocent man was wrongly convicted. That poor man spent nearly three years in a state prions cell before I was able to file an appeal and have his conviction overturned. The man is now home, where he belongs.
The facts of this case are one of the primary reasons I decided to run for judge. The position of judge is too important. If the judge is wrong, because of inexperience and lack of qualifications, an innocent person can be sent to prison. I am a 22-year prosecuting attorney, and our system cannot tolerate innocent people being sent to prison for crimes they did not commit. On the other hand, our system cannot allow guilty people to go free because the judge lacked the necessary skills and qualifications. I am running for judge because I am the only candidate with both the skills and qualifications required to make certain these injustices do not occur in Clearfield County.
What are your thoughts about starting a drug court in Clearfield County?
Maines: My experience and observations within the criminal justice system, in this county and throughout the state, lead me to the conclusion that most cases that come through our criminal courts will have a drug and alcohol component, a mental health component, or both. Clearfield County has some programs and services in place to address some of those concerns, yet these issues are only becoming more and more prevalent.
Having practiced law in many counties throughout the state and having experienced the way drug treatment courts and mental health treatment courts work, I believe diversionary programs such as these are worth exploring for Clearfield County. For these programs to exist and thrive, they must be well funded with monies appropriated through grants or other sources so that the program can be self-sufficient. Most importantly, any such program must incentivize treatment.
I want to make it clear that, should I be elected as judge, I will not be able to unilaterally devise and implement plans for a treatment court or other diversionary programs. That said, I will be able to be a voice in the room advocating for programs that will work to alleviate the strain that drug and alcohol dependency and mental health issues have on the criminal justice system. Throughout my practice of law, I have advocated for clients to help get them the appropriate treatment for dependency and mental health necessary to assist them in living a more healthy and productive life.
As a candidate for judge, I am grateful to have the support of several mental health professionals, and I am thrilled to be endorsed by Susan Ford, retired Executive Director of the Clearfield Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission.
Peter Sipes: I fully support the implementation of treatment courts, including drug and mental health courts. Addiction and untreated mental health issues are major problems not just in our county, but nationwide. These issues, if left unresolved, can affect both the criminal and civil courts. Treatment courts offer a valuable alternative to traditional criminal justice processes, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. While there is some pushback that the individuals are “getting a break” with these programs, I do not believe that is the case. These courts provide specialized programs for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, mental health issues, or co-occurring conditions, helping participants address the root causes of their behavior. By combining judicial oversight with therapeutic support, treatment courts aim to reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and promote long-term recovery. Additionally, these programs can save taxpayer money by reducing incarceration rates and improving outcomes for individuals who would otherwise face a cycle of re-offending. These programs are not for everyone, whether it is that the individual does not want to address the underlying issue, or that the facts and circumstances surrounding the offense do not warrant placement into a diversionary program. However, for those who truly want to address their issues and prevent future criminal behavior, I am not opposed to utilizing diversionary programs.
Sayers: As a candidate for District Attorney and as the District Attorney, I have been an advocate for a Drug Court in Clearfield County. As District Attorney, I brought a lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors on behalf of the people of Clearfield County due to the opioid epidemic that has plagued the area. In conjunction with the Clearfield County Commissioners, the lawsuits have resulted in over two and a half million dollars in settlement proceeds so far. The Clearfield County Commissioners and I have allocated a portion of these fund be used towards establishing a diversionary Drug Court program in order to combat the drug and overdose crisis. Drug Courts have been studied around the country and participants are statistically less likely to relapse and/or end up back in the criminal justice system.
While waiting on the implementation of the Drug Court program, which I intend to implement as judge and with the permission of Judge Paul Cherry, I have already instituted the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) as a diversionary program for low level drug users to get the assistance they need to break their cycle of addiction. This program has had a number of successful graduates over the last few years with more individuals currently working to change their lives for the better.
Shaw Jr.: When I left office as the District Attorney, I had started a Drug Court operating at the preliminary hearing level. We were set up with counselors and medical providers. That was six years ago. My opponent at the time ran a campaign to have drug court. Here we are six years later, and Clearfield County does not have a drug court. For some reason, the drug court I created was abandoned. If I become a judge, I guarantee that I will have a drug court and veterans’ court. When I say I will have those programs, you can believe I will have them.
Please describe your judicial philosophy.
Maines: The judicial philosophy that should prevail for a judge of the Court of Common Pleas is to seek justice, exhibit fairness, respect the rule of law, and uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Pennsylvania.
In my hundreds of interactions with Clearfield County voters at their doorsteps and at public events I have never once been asked “what is your judicial philosophy?” There has been much talk about “judicial philosophy” in this race in social media and other platforms. Let’s bring this into focus. This is not a race to become a justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. A judge of the Court of Common Pleas will not be the primary arbiter of the Constitution and will not likely be deciding hot-button political or social issues. We can talk about judicial philosophies relating to constitutional interpretation, but such discussions will not provide much guidance on the important judicial decisions that a judge of the Court of Common Pleas will make every day. These daily decisions will have life-changing impacts on individuals and their families. If I am elected as judge, I will apply and uphold constitutional principles that are settled in caselaw handed down from the higher courts. The day-to-day decisions that I will make will have everything to do with justice, fairness and respect for the rule of law.
A judge of the Court of Common Pleas will decide whether a person should lose their freedom and become incarcerated. A judge of the Court of Common Pleas will often decide whether families will be separated, and whether and when a parent may have contact with their child. Regarding the decisions a judge of the Court of Common Pleas must make day in day out, you should be most concerned with whether they will pursue justice, exhibit fairness and impartiality, and faithfully follow the rule of law.
My pledge to you is this: if I am entrusted with the grave responsibilities of this office, I promise to bring justice, fairness and respect for the rule of law to every matter that comes before me.
Peters Sipes: My mother is a retired history and government teacher, so beginning at a young age, the importance of our government and its function was instilled in me. I firmly believe in our structure of government providing a balance of power through three separate, co-equal branches. The role of the judicial branch is to interpret the law. It is not the job of the judiciary to legislate. As much as I personally may not like the way a law is written, as a judge, I would not have the ability to rewrite or create laws. I believe that when determining cases judges should look at the plain language of the laws enacted by the legislature and the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions. When judges take an alternative approach, the door is opened to allow personal, policy, or political views to impact the decision-making process.
Sayers: My conservative Christian values are the foundation of my life philosophy. As a jurist, I am a textualist and strict constructionist in regards to interpretation of the law. This means I believe my role as judge is to apply the law as written and not substitute my own will to gain some desired outcome in a case.
Additionally, since law school I have been a member of The Federalist Society, which is an organization of lawyers and jurists that believe and advocate for textualism and originalist interpretation of the United States Constitution. The Constitution is not a living breathing document but instead should be viewed as written based on the original intent.
If there is a disagreement with a law as written or there is a desire to change the Constitution, then I believe such change should come from the legislative or executive branch, not the judiciary. One of the most divisive things that has occurred in our system of government is when judges try to rewrite the law from the bench.
As a judge, I will make my decisions as I already do on a daily basis as District Attorney, I will review the facts and the law as written, then make the appropriate decision that is just and impartial.
Shaw Jr.: My judicial philosophy is simple. Be fair, honest, and respectful of the law and all those who come before the court.
