Name: Alejandro “ Alex” Arreaza
Date and place of birth: 10/23/1962
Office sought: Broward County Court Judge (group 10).
Campaign website: alexforjudgegroup10.com
List in reverse chronological order each college, university and law school and indicate years of attendance.
Nova Southeastern Law School, J.D., class of 1989
Florida State University, B.S. 1985
Broward Community College, A.A. 1983
Stranahan High School, 1981
PROFESSIONAL
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
I have worked in my law firm for the last 30 years. The law office of Alex Arreaza P.A.
As a lawyer, judge, or both, what types of cases you have typically handled?
I litigate many of my cases in criminal. I have done trials involving Felonies, Misdemeanor, traffic criminal.
If you are an attorney, how many cases have you tried in the past five years? Of those cases, how many were tried before juries to verdicts and how many were tried before a judge?
I have tried over 100 cases. 60 of which were felonies, 50 of those to jury. I have taken a few cases to jury, They were defamation cases. The one civil case that has taken most of my time for the last 6 years is the Parkland shooting case. I represent Anthony Borges, one of the victims of the shooting (who survived).
Have you been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details, including case style, jurisdiction and details of disposition.
Years ago I was sued for student loans. I don’t have case numbers.
Have you been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including adjudications of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates of conviction and terms of sentence.
No
Have you ever been disciplined by the Florida Supreme Court as a result of a recommendation by the Florida Bar? If so, provide details.
I was admonished by the Bar for a discovery mistake my office made on a case. I was admonished.
List three cases in which you were lead or co-counsel and why they are significant.
Anthony Borges v. Nikolas Cruz, Broward School Board, BSO, Scot Peterson.
Re estate of Eudoro Carvajal: Represented the widow involving 6 million dollar estate.
La Ceiba Tire v. Journalist Patricia Poleo: A journalist was being sued for defamation. Involved international issues. I was lead counsel in all these cases.
If you have provided any significant pro bono legal services in the past 10 years, please provide details.
I provide about 150 hours of pro bono every year.
List current and former memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations.
Broward County Bar
Broward Hispanic Bar.
Aspira
The United Way.
If you are or were an officer or director or engaged in management of any business enterprise other than a law practice, list its name and business activity, your duties and whether you intend to resign upon your election.
None. I have only worked in my office.
PUBLIC OFFICE
Why are you running for this office?
I am in my 30 years of practicing law. I’ve tried a lot of case and have compiled a lot of experience in criminal , personal injury, civil, juvenile, probate.
If you have sought appointment as a judge through a Judicial Nominating Commission, provide details, including year(s) and results.
I applied for a position about 12-13 years ago but I have not applied since.
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
I can tell you I actually like Sam. I don’t know Woody but he seems like a nice guy. With that being said I believe that I am much more qualified then either one of my opponents to be a county court judge. The Reason that I say this is that a judge must actually make decisions. To make these decisions the judge should understand the community he is serving. The judge should have legal as well as life experience. I’ve been practicing law in this community for over 30 years, have more trial experience then either one of my opponents as well growing up in this community and being involved in various groups doing charitable work.
Sam Stark does not have either the legal or personal experience I have. While Woody has more experience then Sam he does not have experience with the
Broward Community, nor does he have much trial experience. While being a professor is nice it does not replace the experience obtained from real life.
What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a judge?
I’ve been a trial lawyer for over 30 years but as for life experience I am the son of an immigrant that was raised by a single parent. I have experience the difficulties in life that the people coming before the courts go through. I will be much better at understanding their positions and to come to a just decision.
What are three major challenges facing the justice system in Broward County, Florida or the U.S.?
1) . The volume of cases that the courts must deal with. It grows every year.
2). The lack of confidence the public has in the system.
3). Obtaining qualified personal.
