From 2014-2016, I volunteered with the Brevard County Teen Court program serving as a “judge” (with no actual judicial authority), mentor, and moderator.

I have also participated in a number of “welcome home” ceremonies for Veterans returning from Honor Flights through the Space Coast Honor Flight program.

1. Why are you running?

I believe that the courts should be guided by fairness, integrity, humility, and a commitment to the rule of law.

Circuit Judges have a profound responsibility: the decisions made from the bench effect defendants, victims, families, businesses, and sometimes entire communities. I am seeking this position because I want to serve the people of the 18th Judicial Circuit with independence, impartiality, and respect for every person who enters the courtroom.

Throughout my legal career, I have seen firsthand how important it is for litigants to feel that they were heard, treated fairly, and given equal justice under the law. Regardless of a person’s background, resources, or circumstances, every individual deserves a judge who is prepared, patient, and committed to applying the law faithfully and impartially.

I am running because experience, temperament, and professionalism matter on the bench. A Circuit Judge must not only understand the law, but also possess the judgment to handle difficult cases or litigants with patience, respect, and decisiveness. I will bring a disciplined work ethic, respect for the judicial process, and a commitment to treating everyone with dignity to the Circuit bench.

If elected, I will work every day to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Florida, preserve due process, and ensure that the courtroom remains a place where justice is administered fairly and efficiently.

In short, I am running because public service is my calling. It is all I have done an all I have ever wanted to do. My experience, character, and commitment to justice have prepared me to serve the people of the 18th Judicial Circuit and I would be grateful for the opportunity to do so.

2. What are your top three priorities if elected?

My top three priorities when elected are to be prepared, professional, and patient.

While the role of a Judge is, in essence, very simple; in reality, it is anything but simple. It is imperative for a Judge to be prepared to handle the matters that come before him. The start of a hearing is not the time for the Court to be understanding the issues in a case for the first time. Adequate preparation allows a Judge to ask well-reasoned questions, providing the parties an opportunity to more fully expound on their positions and fully litigate the pertinent issues.

Professionalism from the bench is also essential. A Judge should exhibit the qualities of competency, candor, and courtesy. Competency in knowing the applicable law, candor in speaking plainly, and courtesy in remembering that everyone who appears before the Court is a human deserving of being treated with respect and dignity. Professionalism also extends to the faithful application of the law, as it is written, to each case. There is no place for judicial advocacy from the bench in our system of justice.

Finally, emotions can run high in cases that come before the Circuit Court. It is important for a Judge to be patient with litigants and ensure that they have an opportunity to be heard. While not every argument is a winning argument, and litigants can sometimes become discourteous during argument, due process requires that litigants be afforded a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

3. What is the single biggest problem facing the people this office serves, and how would you address it?

The biggest challenge facing the public who comes before the Judiciary today is the ever-growing dockets. With hundreds of cases sometimes pending on a single court’s docket, it is essential that a judge manage the docket with efficiency while recognizing the importance of due process for all parties and honoring the rights of Victims under Florida’s Constitution. There is an old legal maxim: “Justice delayed is justice denied.” To ensure that justice is never unnecessarily delayed, I would focus on active case management from the outset of a case. A judge who takes a proactive role in managing their docket from the initiation of a case can minimize unnecessary continuances and last-minute issues. This active case management can include status hearings, scheduling orders, or even thoughtful scheduling of the Court’s calendar to allow attorneys time away from the courtroom to prepare their cases and have meaningful interactions with their clients and opposing counsel. I would also make use of technology where permitted by law and procedurally appropriate—such as allowing attorneys to appear in certain non-evidentiary matters via virtual appearance (Microsoft TEAMS or the like); thereby preserving courtroom time for matters that actually require it. Finally, I would remain cognizant that the quick and efficient administration of cases must never come at the expense of due process. Each case involves real people, real consequences, and a lasting impact. The mission is to reach the correct result as quickly and efficiently as possible while still treating the participants with dignity and respect.

4. How will you keep constituents informed and involved in your decisions?

The actions of the Circuit Court are reduced to public records maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. All proceedings and documents pertaining to them are subject to public records requests as provided for by Florida law.

5. Why are you a better choice than your opponents?

My qualifications to serve as a Circuit Judge are founded upon more than a decade of public service, extensive courtroom experience, a commitment to the rule of law, and a demonstrated ability to fairly evaluate complex legal issues. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to ensuring justice is administered fairly and serving the citizens of Florida with integrity and professionalism.

Since October 2020, I have served as Legal Counsel for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, providing legal guidance on constitutional, statutory, and administrative issues. In this role, I regularly analyze complex legal questions, advise agency leadership on matters requiring careful consideration of competing interests, and litigate Risk Protection Orders and Civil Asset Forfeitures.

Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, I was an Assistant State Attorney in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit for over six years. During that time, I handled thousands of cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including homicide, child abuse, and sex crimes. This experience provided me with a deep understanding of criminal law, courtroom procedure, evidentiary issues, and the profound impact judicial decisions have on victims, defendants, and the community.

As an advocate, I have tried 31 jury trials and 47 non-jury trials. I have litigated hundreds of hearings. I have also litigated three appeals: two before the Circuit Court and one before the Fifth District Court of Appeal.

My experience as a former Florida Supreme Court Certified County and Circuit Mediator further strengthened my ability to listen carefully, remain impartial, and facilitate the fair resolution of disputes. Mediation taught me the importance of patience, professionalism, and ensuring that all parties feel heard and respected—qualities that are essential to effective judicial service.

As a mediator, I handled over one hundred cases ranging from small claims to debt collections and evictions to foreclosures.

In addition to my litigation, mediation, and advisory work, I have devoted considerable time to legal education. I currently instruct legal courses for law enforcement and correctional officers, school resource officers, and police recruits. I have authored numerous legal training publications and have presented continuing legal education programs for attorneys, professional organizations, and community groups.

These experiences reflect my commitment to the law and my ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively. It is my experience, my temperament, and my skill that makes me a better choice than my opponent.

Anything else you’d like voters to know?

I respectfully ask the community review my qualifications and, when they determine that I am the most qualified and best candidate, please vote Gaspard for Judge on August 18th. Serving this community

Campaign Links

• Website: gaspardforjudge.com
• Email: committee@gaspardforjudge.com
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