Litricia Payne

Name: Litricia Payne

Party: Democratic

Age: 45

Current residence: Chicago Current position: Cook County circuit judge, appointed Dec. 30, 2016

Past legal experience with years of each job: Will County Public Defender’s Office, 18 years; private practitioner, one year

Campaign funds available, July 1 to Dec. 31: $35,889.78

Campaign funds spent, July 1 to Dec. 31: $31,796.49

Law school: Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 1997

Campaign website: ElectJudgePayne.com

Family: Husband, Frederick Stewart; daughter, 8 years old

Hobbies/interests: Tap dancing, computer games and painting

Have you ever run for office before?

Yes, 17th Precinct committeemen in Plainfield.

Why should voters support your candidacy?

I understand the law as well as people. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in a low-income environment and ascending to a Cook County judgeship gives me a wide perspective into anyone standing before me. I am genuine, grounded and experienced and I rule with fairness and integrity.

I look at the whole person, not just the charges. I believe in giving chances and rehabilitation when applicable but understand that sometimes incarceration is the only option.

Why do you want to be a judge?

I want to make a difference in my community, be a role model for my daughter and other youth and provide diversity of background and work experience to the bench. Lastly, I wish to continue my public service as an experienced as a judge.

What was the most interesting case you handled as a lawyer?

A 10-year-old re-indicted murder case where forensic evidence had been destroyed. The issue of exclusion of testimony regarding the destroyed evidence was appealed and the issue was decided in my client’s favor.