Prepared to Serve
Our legal system needs judges to ensure that individuals’ rights are protected, that all parties are treated fairly and with dignity and respect, that the law is followed, and that justice is served.
My extensive experiences as a lawyer for more than 35 years – in the courtroom as a litigator, within the justice system as a law enforcement agency executive, in higher education, and in the community as an engaged citizen and volunteer – have prepared me well for the role of Superior Court Judge.
I have tried dozens – perhaps 50 or more – felony jury trials in state and federal court, and prosecuted hundreds if not thousands more criminal cases to resolution short of trial. I have defended accused individuals in those same courtrooms and represented both individuals and businesses in civil litigation.
My community service includes extensive pro bono work with Legal Aid and service on the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy's Board of Directors. At Davidson College I’ve been the school’s General Counsel and taught semester long classes in poverty law.
Serving as Superior Court Judge would allow me to put my experiences in public service and in the justice system to their best use, for their highest purpose: for the betterment of our judicial system and for the benefit of the community.
Experience
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, Charlotte, NC – In-House Counsel (2019-Present)
Copeland Richards PLLC, Davidson, NC – Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense in 4-lawyer firm (2017-2019)
United States Department of Justice, Charlotte, NC – Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, prosecuting gang-related offenses, drug trafficking, money laundering and violent crimes (2010-2017)
Davidson College, Davidson, NC – Grant Coordinator, Adjunct Lecturer, Major Gifts Officer, General Counsel (1999-2010)
Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, Charlotte, NC – Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting homicides, sex offenses, felony assaults and other violent crimes (1995-1997)
DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, Decatur, GA – Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting both violent and white-collar felony crimes (1991-1995)
Hurt Richardson Garner Todd & Cadenhead, Atlanta, GA – Civil Litigation in 100+ lawyer firm (1990-1991)
Service
Current –
National Sheriffs’ Association – Legal Affairs Committee
North Carolina Association of Police and Sheriffs’ Attorneys
Mecklenburg County Key Court Officials – Sheriff’s Office Representative
Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Advisory Group – Executive Committee
Mecklenburg County Courthouse Security Committee – Executive Committee
Past –
North Carolina Association of Police and Sheriffs’ Attorney’s – Board of Directors and President
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy – Board of Directors
McCrorey Family YMCA – Board of Directors
Queens University of Charlotte – Board of Visitors
Davidson College Administrative Advisory Group
National Association of College and University Attorneys
Education
Davidson College (1987)
Vanderbilt University School of Law (1990)
Personal
Married for 35 years to Dr. Barbara Matheny Guise
Davidson resident for more than 30 years
Five children raised in Mecklenburg County; CMS and Public Charter Schools