WASHBURN COUNTY -- As the April 7 election approaches, Washburn County Circuit Court Judge Angeline Winton-Roe has formally entered the race for another term, outlining her judicial philosophy, experience on the bench, and views on court operations in a newly released campaign announcement.
PRESS RELEASE
Washburn County Circuit Court Judge Angeline Winton-Roe announced today that she is seeking reelection in the April 7 election, citing her experience on the bench, commitment to impartial decision-making, and responsibility to uphold public safety and the rule of law.
“For the past seven years, I have carried the constitutional and statutory responsibility of serving the people of Washburn County as their Circuit Court Judge,” Winton-Roe said. “I am seeking reelection because I remain committed to applying the law fairly, enforcing accountability, and protecting public safety—without political influence or bias.”
A lifelong Washburn County resident, Winton-Roe said her deep roots in the community shaped her understanding of how judicial decisions affect victims, defendants, families, and public confidence in the justice system.
“Judicial experience matters,” she said. “Sound judgment is developed through years of presiding over hearings, ruling on motions, managing dockets, and issuing reasoned decisions based on the law and the record. It is essential in protecting our community.”
Winton-Roe emphasized that her broad legal background in criminal, civil, family, and probate law is essential to the role of a circuit court judge, in which complex and varied matters must be evaluated consistently and in accordance with the law.
“Fairness is not optional—it is a legal obligation,” Winton-Roe said. “Every individual who enters my courtroom is ensured due process and treated with the respect they deserve. My decisions are grounded in the facts presented, the governing law, and controlling precedent.”
She noted that justice requires accountability and discretion. When authorized by law and appropriate to the circumstances, Winton-Roe supports evidence-based rehabilitation options that address root causes such as substance abuse or mental health conditions. At the same time, she stressed that firm and punitive judgments are warranted when the seriousness of an offense, repeated criminal conduct, or the need to protect the community demands them.
“Community protection is a core function of the judiciary,” she said. “Sentencing decisions carry real consequences and must be made deliberately, lawfully, and with full consideration of victim impact and public safety.”
Winton-Roe also addressed recent commentary regarding criminal case disposition timelines in Washburn County, emphasizing the importance of reviewing publicly available data in its full judicial and procedural context.
“Using the same publicly available data, the number of criminal case dispositions from 2019 through 2024 has increased slightly,” she said. “These median numbers indicate continued case resolution by the court—not inactivity—meaning more cases, not fewer, have been resolved by the court during that period.”
She noted that such data reflects only criminal matters and does not capture the full scope of the circuit court’s responsibilities, which also include civil litigation, family and juvenile cases, probate and guardianship issues, injunctions, mental health commitments, and other matters within the court’s jurisdiction.
“The circuit court’s work goes well beyond criminal cases,” Winton-Roe said. “Judges must manage a wide range of case types, each governed by distinct statutes, timelines, and due process requirements. Evaluating court performance based on a single category of cases does not reflect the full breadth of judicial responsibility or the daily work of the court.”
She further explained that median time-to-disposition statistics do not account for increased case complexity, statutory mandates, constitutional timelines, fluctuations in case volume, or the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Extended timelines do not mean cases are idle,” she said. “They frequently indicate the careful safeguarding of constitutional rights, statutory compliance, and responsible case management.”
Winton-Roe continued, “Many factors affecting case timelines are outside judicial control, including prosecutorial charging decisions, discovery readiness, plea negotiations, and participation in diversion or treatment programs. While such programs are proven tools to reduce recidivism, they require time to guarantee adherence and accountability.”
“A judge’s duty is not to accelerate cases for the sake of statistics,” she said. “It is to ensure each matter proceeds lawfully, efficiently, and in accordance with constitutional protections, victims’ rights, and public safety.”
Winton-Roe said reelection would provide continuity and stability for the Washburn County court system.
“Continuity on the bench preserves institutional knowledge, consistency in legal rulings, and public confidence in an independent judiciary,” she said. “I respectfully ask for voters’ support on April 7 so I may continue serving Washburn County with fairness, independence, and an unwavering commitment to equal justice under the law.”
[Photo credit: Lesa Johnson]
Last Update: Jan 08, 2026 12:00 pm CST
