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Judge of the LaPorte Superior Court · No. 3

James M. (Jim) Macalka

Candidate for Judge of the LaPorte Superior Court, No. 3

Democratic

Background

Occupation
Attorney; deputy public defender
Lives in
La Porte

Macalka has practiced law in La Porte for more than 30 years from his own office and is a deputy public defender handling felony cases; he is a former deputy prosecutor. He has served as a substitute judge in La Porte and Michigan City and sat on the La Porte County Election Board in 2023.

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Documented positions

Courts & justice

  • Supports evaluations and services addressing defendants' underlying issues

    He says untreated mental health and substance abuse often lead people charged with minor offenses to more serious ones.

    Macalka running for judge of Superior Court 3

    News coverage · La Porte County Herald-Dispatch · lpheralddispatch.com

    “In appropriate cases, courts may also consider evaluations or services designed to address underlying issues while matters are pending”
    Report

  • Supports pretrial services for misdemeanor defendants

    Candidates share motivations for pursuing judicial seats

    News coverage · La Porte County Herald-Dispatch · lpheralddispatch.com

    “it really upsets me ... that we don't have pre-trial services on the front end”
    Report

  • Opposes party affiliation as a factor in choosing judges

    Macalka running for judge of Superior Court 3

    News coverage · La Porte County Herald-Dispatch · lpheralddispatch.com

    “he does not believe party affiliation is, nor should be, a relevant factor in selecting or voting for a judge”
    Report

All sources (4)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.

James M. (Jim) Macalka for Judge of the LaPorte Superior Court, No. 3, Indiana · The Gist