Candidate: Michael Haas

Age: 53

Years lived in district: 13 years, 22 years on the Olympic Peninsula

QUALIFICATIONS

Licensed to practice before all Washington State Courts (1988), the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington (1988), the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (1994) and the U.S. Supreme Court (2003).

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Licensed to practice law in Washington State for over 26 years. Tried countless criminal and civil cases (probably over 200) and have argued before the Court of Appeals and State Supreme Court nearly 20 times. Served as a deputy prosecutor in Mason and Jefferson County for over 11 years. Part of a team of trial lawyers brought in to clean up one of the worst public defense systems in the State and later headed the felony section of the Okanogan County public defense program. Supervised the Port Townsend office of a Seattle Insurance Defense firm – acquired additional experience in complex civil litigation. Union representative for a deputy prosecutor union. Experience working with county commissioners on projects designed to keep criminal justice costs in check. Partner with the law firm of Haas & Ramirez, P.S. which has offices in Port Townsend and on Bainbridge Island.

1) What is the number one issue the Jefferson County criminal justice system faces day in and day out?

We lack adequate resources to deal with significant numbers of criminal defendants with mental health and/or substance abuse problems.

2) What impacts on the criminal justice system have you seen regarding the changes in state marijuana laws?

Possession of marijuana charges are down while driving under the influence of marijuana charges are up.

3) Name one thing the prosecutor's office would do differently in 2015, if you are elected.

Effective immediately I will: 1) Implement meaningful charging and sentencing policies; 2) Begin to utilize Law Enforcement Assisted Diversions to remove low level offenders with mental health or substance abuse issues from the court system to treatment services; 3) Continue to advocate for a veteran’s court; 4) Communicate with victims and their families so they understand their voices were heard; 5) Communicate with law enforcement officers so they fully understand what is needed to successfully prosecute a case; 6) Make sure deputy prosecutors are assigned to cases commensurate with their experience and training; 7) Vet felony cases thoroughly before making charging decisions; 8) Engage in collaborative communications at the interdepartmental level.

4) You have described local law enforcement in one instance as being "Keystone Kops." If elected prosecutor, do you feel bridges must be rebuilt with agencies for mutual cooperation?

The vast majority of law enforcement officers do a great job under frequently trying circumstances. They are also professionals and recognize that their duties sometimes clash with those of defense attorneys.

In the instance referred to, I perceived law enforcement as focusing on a low level assault while ignoring a theft of a firearm and an attempt to set fire to an 80’ ship in the boat yard. I should have chosen my words more carefully.

5) You have accepted campaign donations from a man you have defended in court against criminal charges made by law enforcement; the dismissal of those charges is now under appeal. Is this ethical?

It is not unethical to accept campaign donations from an innocent person that should never have been charged in the first place.