Amanda is the only candidate in the race with a clean record of professional ethical behavior. She believes in being direct and honest, but always with the utmost compassion. The way in which one delivers bad news is far more indicative of a person’s character than how they deliver good news. While Judges should always be firm and decisive, it is never acceptable for a Judge to be demeaning and/or dismissive to anyone in the courtroom. Amanda’s opponent, Judge Donna Dutton, was recently suspended for committing various ethical violations including failure to follow the law. When a Judge gambles with the law, criminals follow suit. As Judge, Amanda will restore integrity to our District Court bench and put Judicial Ethics first.

Over her tenure as a prosecutor, Amanda prosecuted thousands of felony crimes on behalf of the citizens of Jefferson, Shelby, Spencer, and Anderson Counties. She has specialized training in Constitutional Search and Seizure and was assigned to the specialty Narcotics Unit of the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office from 2004-2007.

Following Amanda’s years as a State and County prosecutor, she opened “Wills Law Office” on Washington Street in Shelbyville where she has been a daily litigator for the past twelve (12) years. In private practice Amanda continued to focus on criminal law and has represented hundreds of clients throughout Central Kentucky in both our District and Circuit Courts.

Amanda feels strongly that we all responsibility to give back to our communities. As a private practitioner, Amanda has performed pro bono legal services to local charitable causes including Operation Care and Awake Ministries. She also partners with our local Public Defender Office to represent indigent clients where DPA has a conflict of interest.

A willingness to engage in honest dialog and good faith collaboration are essential traits of an effective leader. Although Judges enjoy nearly unlimited discretion in the operation of the courtroom, there are countless agencies/individuals who’s participation is essential to propelling a case forward toward timely resolution. In any given case, a District Court Judge may be required to rely on the availability and cooperation of agencies/individuals such as the Prosecutor, Public Defenders, Sheriff, Jailer, Clerk’s Office, and/or AOC interpreter services. Too often, the considerations and challenges of these essential community partners are not considered. Amanda’s door will always be open to leaders throughout the community to improve the efficiency and efficacy of our Court System. She will bring the same hard work and energy to the bench that has made her highly sought after as private counsel. Click the button below to see authentic reviews from Amanda’s previous clients.

Ask any law enforcement officer, and they will tell you the great majority of crime is rooted in untreated mental illness and/or substance abuse. Nearly all individuals who end up facing felony charges in Circuit Court have had several previous interactions with a District Court Judge. Traditional methods used in District Court are no longer effective in preventing the escalation of criminal activity. Amanda’s opponent, Judge Donna Dutton, has been on the bench since 2007, yet she has filed to act and/or explore new solutions to meet today’s challenges. Currently, there is no Judicial led and administered early intervention program in our District Court. Amanda views this as a tremendous missed opportunity. As District Court Judge, she will lead the effort to develop new solutions to better serve our community. Amanda is already assembling a vast group of community leaders, partners, and providers who are motivated and willing to collaborate with the Court in tackling the issues caused by untreated mental health/addiction throughout our communities.

Amanda wants to increase the transparency and access to District Court Services and transform the Courtroom into a trusted partner in solving our communities problems. She will remain open to changes in the current docket schedule to better serve our growing community, and believes the Court of Justice should be using modern technology to make access easier and more effective. Whether it be live streaming regular dockets or increasing available information avenues, Amanda understands that Kentucky District Court is first and foremost intended to be a Court of Service.