For nearly two decades, I've practiced law across the Hudson Valley — as a defense attorney, a special prosecutor, and a public defender. That diverse experience has given me a balanced understanding of the justice system, grounded in fairness, careful judgment, and respect for the rule of law.
As a candidate for Town of Newburgh Town Justice, I'm committed to ensuring that every person who appears in court is treated with dignity, impartiality, and equal access to justice.
Professional Experience
I'm the principal attorney of Trachte Law Office PC, a firm with a long-standing reputation for excellence in the Hudson Valley. Since joining the firm in 2007, I've handled thousands of criminal and civil cases at both the trial and appellate levels.
I was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2007 and to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in 2010.
Orange County Assigned Counsel (18-B Panel)
Throughout my career, I've served on the Orange County Assigned Counsel 18-B Panel for misdemeanors, felonies, and appeals — providing high-quality legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private counsel when Legal Aid has a conflict.
Special Prosecutor — Ulster County (2013–2017)
From 2013 to 2017, I served on the Ulster County Conflict Special Prosecutor Panel, appointed by the Ulster County Court to prosecute cases when the District Attorney's Office was required to recuse itself due to a conflict of interest. That experience gave me valuable perspective on the role of a prosecutor as well as a defense attorney.
Assistant Public Defender — Ulster County (2018–Present)
Since 2018, I've worked as an Assistant Public Defender with the Ulster County Public Defender's Office, providing criminal defense representation to ensure that individuals who cannot afford an attorney receive the same quality of legal advocacy as those who can.
Over nearly two decades of practice, I've appeared regularly in county, supreme, city, and justice courts across multiple counties in New York. My extensive courtroom experience, combined with work in complex legal research, appellate practice, and motion practice, has prepared me to thoughtfully analyze legal issues and fairly apply the law.
Judicial Philosophy: Fairness and Discretion While Balancing Public Safety
I believe judicial discretion is one of the most important tools a judge possesses to ensure justice is served. My approach is grounded in the principle that every individual deserves a hearing based on the facts, the law, and the people involved.
Many individuals enter the court system because of underlying challenges such as trauma or substance abuse. Where appropriate, I support a treatment-focused approach that addresses root causes while still maintaining accountability and protecting the community.
Younger defendants — still developing cognitively — should be given the opportunity to demonstrate that they can learn from mistakes and move forward as productive members of the community.
As Town Justice, I'll be committed to:
- Equal Access to Justice. Ensuring litigants understand their rights and the legal process, and that everyone appearing in court has meaningful access to experienced legal counsel.
- Integrity of the Legal System. Faithfully applying the laws enacted by the legislature and the constitutional principles underlying them — including ensuring that bail is used to secure court appearances, not as pre-conviction punishment, and that both sides comply with discovery obligations so cases are decided fairly.
- Impartiality and Fairness. Drawing on nearly 20 years of courtroom experience to evaluate evidence and witness credibility fairly, while conducting proceedings transparently and without bias.
Education and Community Service
I received my Juris Doctor from the Dickinson School of Law in 2006, where I focused on Federal Sentencing Guidelines and participated in Amnesty International. Previously, I earned a B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College, with a special studies major combining sociology and biochemistry — for which I completed a study in Expert Scientific Testimony.
A resident of the Hudson Valley since 2007, I've dedicated my professional career to serving the residents of the Town of Newburgh and the surrounding Hudson Valley community.