Not Afraid to be Judged

It’s not every day I find myself cheering for a lawyer, but Kevin D. Fine has made a big impact on me by speaking openly about being a recovering addict. This is special because Mr. Fine is about to participate in a ceremony that will make him Harris County’s 177th Criminal District Court judge in Texas.

It’s always a good thing when those in the judicial system (and law enforcement) understand the complexities of addiction and substance abuse issues and it looks like Judge Fine will put his personal experiences to good use.

“I know 85 percent of the prison population is there because they have a substance abuse problem that can be addressed in another way other than locking them up, which does absolutely, positively no good,” Fine says. Helping addicts get clean, sober and out of the court system, he says, was “my whole reason for wanting to run.” ~ Law.com

I have always been in support of alternative sentencing for non-violent drug offenders; it is the only effective method of reducing the recidivism of addicts and alcoholics. More than anything though, I am just pleased that Judge Fine has decided to be open about his recovery and share his story. He took a great risk by coming out especially considering he made his announcement before he had been chosen for the bench. He will serve as an admirable example to the many that will surely find themselves facing the judge that there is always hope to change the future. Here’s a TDA salute to Kevin D. Fine, a man not afraid to be judged.