Daniel J. O'Hara (Michigan 63rd District Court, Michigan, candidate 2024)
Daniel J. O'Hara ran for election for judge of the Michigan 63rd District Court. O'Hara was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.[source]
O'Hara completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Daniel J. O'Hara provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 21, 2024:
- High school: Rockford High School
- Bachelor's: Grand Valley State University, 2011
- J.D.: Western Michigan University - Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 2015
- Profession: Assistant State Attorney
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Proven Experience. Trusted Judgement.
- Campaign website
- Campaign endorsements
- Campaign Facebook
- Campaign Instagram
Elections
General election
General election for Michigan 63rd District Court
Daniel J. O'Hara and Jonathan J. Paasch ran in the general election for Michigan 63rd District Court on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
 | Daniel J. O'Hara (Nonpartisan)  | |
| Jonathan J. Paasch (Nonpartisan) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Michigan 63rd District Court
Marcus T. Chmiel, David A. Couch, Daniel J. O'Hara, and Jonathan J. Paasch ran in the primary for Michigan 63rd District Court on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| Marcus T. Chmiel (Nonpartisan) | ||
| David A. Couch (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Daniel J. O'Hara (Nonpartisan) | |
| Jonathan J. Paasch (Nonpartisan) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
To view O'Hara's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for O'Hara in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Daniel J. O'Hara completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by O'Hara's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Raised in Rockford, MI, Daniel earned a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Grand Valley State University and a law degree from Western Michigan University's Cooley Law School. He currently lives in Caledonia with his wife and three children, reflecting his commitment to his community.
His criminal law experience includes serious cases such as 1st degree murder, assault, and drug trafficking, establishing a strong reputation for justice in Kent County. He also assists police departments with civil filings related to narcotics investigations and has expertise in civil trial work and contract negotiations.
Daniel has significant experience in treatment courts, serving as the Drug Court prosecutor at the 61st District Court. His responsibilities include screening candidates and ensuring compliance with NATCP guidelines, which would be vital for the 63rd District Court's "Treatment and Recovery Court."
With deep roots in Kent County and a commitment to justice, Daniel is positioned to serve with integrity and compassion, ensuring a fair legal process for all.- I'm proud to be the only candidate for the 63rd District Court rated "well qualified" by the Grand Rapids Bar Association. This objective and thorough screening proves my extensive legal experience and commitment to justice. It also plays a crucial role in educating voters about candidates' qualifications and promoting transparency in the judicial selection process. In contrast, my opponent was the only candidate in all judicial races who did not participate in this evaluation. Voter awareness of these qualifications is vital for informed decision-making. My "well qualified" rating underscores my readiness to serve effectively as a judge in our community.
- The district court is a trial court focused on presiding over criminal and civil contested matters, not a policy-making court. It does not have jurisdiction over issues like abortion, sex rights, or 2A rights. A judge must have a thorough understanding of the law, court rules, and evidentiary standards to make informed decisions. Given the court's busy nature, there’s no opportunity for a judge to learn on the job or step off the bench to conduct research. Only a seasoned trial attorney with real trial experience can be trusted to navigate these complexities and make decisions that profoundly affect the lives of citizens in our community. My background and experience ensures I am prepared to serve effectively and uphold justice.
- I am endorsed by 20 Kent County judges, all of whom I have practiced extensively before. They have witnessed my trial skills, judgment, and temperament firsthand. They are not required to endorse anyone, however, their support reflects confidence in my ability to serve effectively and fairly. Additionally, I am endorsed by Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, further demonstrating my commitment to justice and community safety. With this strong backing from respected legal and law enforcement professionals, I am prepared to uphold the integrity of the court and serve the people of our community with dedication and fairness.
Only someone with extensive trial and courtroom experience is truly prepared for the volume of cases that a judge must handle. This experience allows for a deep understanding of the legal process and the nuances of each case. Additionally, judicial temperament is an essential skill for a judge. It involves maintaining composure, fairness, and respect in the courtroom, ensuring that all parties feel heard and valued.
My focus has always been on seeking justice for my community rather than representing the best interests of an individual client. This commitment ensures that every case is treated with the seriousness it deserves, prioritizing the rights of victims and the community as a whole.
Judicial impartiality requires not only legal knowledge but also the integrity to make tough decisions without bias. I understand the weight of the decisions I make, as they significantly impact lives. My extensive courtroom experience has equipped me with the skills necessary to navigate complex legal issues and deliver thoughtful, informed judgments.
My ability to do this stems from my extensive experience litigating and dealing with countless people from all walks of life within the criminal justice system. I take pride in effectively identifying situations where individuals deserve a second chance, as well as identifying situations and individuals who pose a great safety risk to our community. Striking this balance is essential for a just legal system, and I am committed to making decisions that reflect both compassion and a steadfast commitment to public protection. Ultimately, I aim to foster a sense of trust and integrity within our community through my work on the bench.
For a full list of endorsements, please go to -
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
