It is with great enthusiasm that I offer my support/endorsement of Judge Anna Laurie for re-election to the Kitsap County Superior Court bench. I have had the unique pleasure to appear in front of Judge Laurie since she was first elected to the bench in 2000 in both criminal and civil matters. Judge Laurie is not only experienced, she is knowledgeable in both civil and criminal law and conducts her courtroom in a highly professional and civilized fashion while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

As a former Kitsap County deputy prosecutor, I appeared before Judge Laurie numerous times in confidential closed hearings for involuntary civil commitments for both mental illness and drug/alcohol dependency. Both areas of law confront an intersection of individual human failings with complicated legal requirements. Into that vortex also falls jurisdictional questions, statutory interpretation, overlapping legislative programs and factual disputes. Judge Laurie’s unique ability to preside over these types of complex hearings while safeguarding the individual liberties of vulnerable adults and children is outstanding. She understands the complexity of human weakness while strictly adhering to the letter and spirit of the law.

In criminal court, Judge Laurie is able to maintain control in an often chaotic setting involving large felony and juvenile court dockets. I have observed Judge Laurie confront enormous court calendars, where she has the uncanny ability to remain on schedule while at the same time rendering a just result. Her breadth of knowledge of both criminal and civil procedure makes her an outstanding trial Judge. I had the pleasure of watching Judge Laurie preside over much of the Nicholas Hacheney murder trial as a courtroom observer and was impressed by her ability to maintain control over a complex murder case involving an ex-pastor accused of murdering his wife. Judge Laurie never wavered in her ability to maintain control over the proceedings while efficiently ruling on complex evidentiary issues. She was at all times respectful to all participants in the process. It was a pleasure to watch her preside over that case.

I cannot say enough about the judicial abilities of Judge Anna Laurie. I offer my full support of her re-election campaign.

Kathryn R. Portteus
Attorney at Law
Gig Harbor