Former "Judge Richards has proven himself to be a hard worker, independent thinker and smart courtroom manager.” He "has a track record for efficiently and fairly dispensing justice." (Sun-Sentinel, 10/13/2014). Although he might be best known as the Judge who jumped over the bench to help protect a woman in court (Miami Herald, 8/04/2014), the progress that has been made during his term on the bench is noteworthy. Richards was in the top 3% of judges in Broward County for the number of jury trials in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. He streamlined the misdemeanor domestic violence unit by lowering the active caseload countywide from 1,100 to under 500 cases and reducing the wait time for trial by almost half. Ian Richards also gave both victims and defendants time to tell their stories because he believes in fairness. He has presided over thousands of cases and hundreds of jury trials, more than 99% of his decisions were upheld, a testament to his legal knowledge and skill.
Richards and His Three Children
I want to thank everyone for all the effort you put into this election. I am so grateful for the confidence you placed in me. Though we did not win, we came very close (less than 1.23%). The result of this election should not sadden you, instead, let it inspire you to continue to get involved. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at (954)663-0266, as always I want to stay involved in our community. - Ian Richards
Interview with Rodney Baltimore
GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY
While a judge, Ian Richards often engaged in community service and events. A particularly memorable occasion involved Mr. Richards' invitation to youth from a Hallandale summer program to come to his courtroom and observe cases; Mr. Richards encouraged the students to consider the law as a profession in the hopes that one day these youth will replace him on the bench. To better assist our community, Ian Richards served as a vice president of Mentoring with a Father's Heart, an organization that pairs boys without father figures with male mentors who want to positively impact the children's lives. Currently, he mentors a bright young man that has overcome difficult circumstances at a local public middle school. One of his favorite annual activities was delivering more than 300 dictionaries to the 3rd-grade students of a local Elementary School - donations from the Hollywood Rotary Club. Mr. Richards and the students had fun finding words while teaching them how to use the dictionaries they own. Richards assists in local school activities, such as book-bag giveaways, career days, essay writing contests, youth football camp, and high school sports programs. Mr. Richards continues to sing in his local choir. Additionally, Mr. Richards supports events like the Rotary scholarship, JURA scholarship, and created a scholarship/internship website to provide educational planning resources for youth in our community. Richards was honored by Alpha Kappa Sorority, Legacy Magazines, Zeta Youth Summit, and Hot105 Radio (“trailblazer”).
ABOUT IAN RICHARDS
Judge Leaps from Bench to Protect Witness
Ian Richards and his wife of 19 years are the proud parents of a daughter and two sons.
Ian Richards grew up in South Florida. He started his academic career at a public school in the heart of Liberty City and graduated from Norland Senior High School. Later, Ian Richards received an accounting degree from Florida International University and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami’s School of Law where he attended on a full scholarship.
Former County Court Judge Ian Richards is running for Circuit Court Judge and we need your support! Ian Richards has over 18 years of experience as a judge and an attorney in the civil and criminal system. Mr. Richards' experience in the State Attorney’s Office, years in private practice, and as a former judge demonstrates he values respect, compassion, and justice.
Committee to Elect Ian Richards for Judge, 3440 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 415, Hollywood, FL 33021 Tel: (954) 663-0266 info@IanRichards.com
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Committee to Elect Ian Richards, nonpartisan for Circuit Court Judge Group 30