LETTER: Erickson qualified

I have known Judge Lauren Erickson for many years.

I was in court with her when she was a deputy prosecuting attorney.

I worked with her when she was our administrative law judge where she dealt with code enforcement issues when I was the Sequim city attorney and I have served as a juror during one of her Superior Court trials when she was the presiding judge.

She has done well in all those positions.

As a former Clallam County prosecuting attorney, I know how important it is to have a judge who thoroughly understands the criminal and civil justice systems, as Lauren does.

Lauren has tried many criminal and civil cases, both as a deputy prosecutor and as a superior court trial judge.

I support Judge Erickson because she has done a good job but, more importantly, because she has a complete knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Her background is invaluable to assure that an accused person will get a fair trial and a fair sentence; fair for the defendant and also fair to the victims and to the community.

Craig Ritchie

Port Angeles