Warren McSweeney

Candidate for N.C. District District 19D Seat 1 (unopposed)

1. Please tell the public a little about yourself – your background, education, and relevant experience.

I grew up in Greer, South Carolina and received my undergraduate degree at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC and received my law degree from Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC.

My parents Colin and Jackie McSweeney are both retired. My mother was a teacher’s assistant for a Montessori school and my father retired from Michelin Tire Corporation. I am married to my wife Melissa and together we have six children. My wife is currently a police officer in Moore County. My wife and some of her family grew up in Hoke County and continue to live there.

I have spent over 17 years as an Assistant District Attorney in Moore County. I have also spent time prosecuting in Randolph, Montgomery, Davidson and Davie Counties. I have prosecuted thousands of cases ranging from speeding cases to death penalty murder cases.

2. For the public’s benefit, please briefly describe the general duties you would be responsible for should you be elected/re-elected to the office you are seeking.

As a District Court Judge, I would handle a broad range of cases. On the criminal side, it would be hearing misdemeanor cases, such as speeding, DWIs, assaults, larcenies, minor drug offense. I would also handle Juvenile cases where juvenile petitions on criminal cases have been issued. I would also handle any probable cause hearings on Felony cases or guilty pleas to low level felonies.

On civil cases, I would handle child support, family law matters, child custody, divorce, civil lawsuits for less than $10,000.

3. Why are you running for office?

I have served the people of NC for over seventeen years as a Prosecutor. I now wish to continue to serve the people of NC, specifically Moore and Hoke Counties, in a different role but in the same arena that I have been used to my entire legal career.

4. If elected/re-elected, what are some of the goals you hope to accomplish?

One of my top priority is to be a judge for all the citizens of Moore and Hoke County. I pledge to be fair and impartial and represent the Judiciary with the highest level of professionalism. I want all persons that come before me to leave with a feeling that even though I might have ruled against them or against their interests, that they were treated by the court system in a fair manner. I will follow the law in NC and apply the law to the specific facts and circumstances that come before me.

5. Please briefly describe your stance on some current judiciary issues that you consider important or relevant to Hoke County residents.

As a Judge, it would be inappropriate to comment or speculate on matters or issues that might come before me. I can assure all residents of Hoke County that I will do all that is possible to ensure their rights and interests and concerns are adequately weighed and considered when making any ruling.

6. What will you do to handle the transition as Hoke County becomes a new district with Moore County?

I have already made my way to Hoke County and have begun the process of meeting with and introducing myself to the people in the Court system. There are many moving and working parts that make the court system run and I am looking forward to building strong bonds and connections with the people of Hoke County. I will work with all officials in the scheduling of matters and cases and making sure that the needs of Hoke County are addressed as efficiently as possible.

7. If elected/re-elected, how would you balance your time addressing the needs of both Hoke and Moore counties?

I will be holding court in both Hoke and Moore County and I would imagine that I will initially be assigned to preside over court in Hoke County a majority of time in an effort to allow any cases that I may have a conflict with in Moore County to work their way off the court dockets. The Chief District Court Judge for Moore and Hoke County will be in charge of assigning which sessions of court the Judges preside over.

8. What unique judicial concerns does Hoke County have that Moore County does not have?

Hoke County is a smaller county population wise than Moore County. I do know that there are certain facility needs as far as the Courthouse and the need to use an annex building to house the DA’s Office and certain sessions of court and Judicial offices. While Moore County does have a number of military families, I believe Hoke County has a higher percentage of active military persons, which would bring a wide range of issues related to their circumstances.

9. Please briefly describe how you approach, or would approach, being a judge.

I would approach my position as a District Court Judge with the expectation that all persons that come before me regardless of race, income, or any other factor would be treated with the upmost respect and fairness. I would demand all persons act professional while in my courtroom and those that appear in front of me. I would strive to ensure that compassion and common sense handling are incorporated into the rulings and application of the law.

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