Stop a biased Juvenile Judge in Fairfax County from denying young victims due process. Judge Melinda VanLowe knowingly abused and used her knowledge of legal processes to unduly influence the outcome of trial. In the specific case referenced, after the juvenile victim clearly articulated the ability to differentiate between a truth and a lie Judge VanLowe ceased using age appropriate terminology to question the 9-year old victim and deem her incompetent, knowing that further evidence presented in the case would be insufficient to corroborate the victim’s allegations without the victim’s testimony.

With the Victim unable to testify, Defense Attorney Amy Jordan refused to discuss a plea deal with Prosecutor Kate Baillu even though the juvenile subject had admitted his guilt to multiple parties, to include Fairfax County Detective Cody Whildin. Defense Attorney Jordan had every reason to believe Judge VanLowe would dismiss all charges based upon her conduct, and this was abhorrently evidenced when Judge VanLowe called the subject’s parents back to the courtroom to discuss and threaten the parents regarding post-trial placement of the subject upon release. This was done BEFORE hearing witness testimony or the Prosecutor presenting evidence. Judge VanLowe, having knowledge the subjects parents would testify against the victim, lacked impartiality and integrity to deliberately and knowingly influence the outcome of the trial.

When a juvenile pending felony charges appears before Judge VanLowe, Judge VanLowe unpredictably applies the law to deliberately influence judicial processes and prevent charging these juvenile offenders with felony charges; even when these felony charges are committed against other juveniles or would be a lifetime of imprisonment if charged as an adult. Judge VanLowe’s conduct is in violation of the Model Code of Judicial Conduct and prohibits due process.

Your endorsement will be used to demonstrate the lack of public trust and confidence in Judge Melinda VanLowe’s ability to remain impartial, unbiased, and competent in her administration of Justice. My goal is to raise awareness of the crises within the juvenile justice system, give a voice for the victim who has been denied testifying on the felony crimes committed against her, and acknowledge the life-long trauma she will struggle to overcome after being twice victimized- first by the subject and second by Judge VanLowe who has created a law unto herself.