Rory Brady: 'Everybody deserves their day in court'

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — Recently elected Village Justice Rory Brady says he's serious about his job.

“I run the court,” he said in an interview. “I want the village to have a court that they can be proud of.”

Village court is held without fail each Wednesday at 9 a.m. for traffic offenses, followed at 10 a.m. for civil matters, including evictions and small claims. Judge Brady saw 78 traffic offenses his first time holding court.

“That’s a pretty heavy calendar coming out of the gate,” he said. “This is one of the busiest village courts in New York State because we have two major thoroughfares — Routes 17 and 207 — that are used to get around the county, as well as county operations, and a heavy business center.”

Add to that the time of year.
“Whether it’s the weather, people having been cooped up, having received their tax returns — but more people are in bars and there’s more activity," he said. “It’s safe to call this our busy season."

The criminal calendar is held the second Wednesday of the month. He’s already been called in for 10 off-hour arraignments.

How is the judge handling this busy schedule?

“I try to be a presence here, and I want to be prepared," he said. "I’m here in the office every day to review cases. I don’t just show up on Wednesday morning at 9 and leave when court is done. This is a part-time job with full-time responsibilities."

Along with hearing court cases, Judge Brady has administrative duties. Among them are handling money transactions, for instance: bail money, fines, surcharges, and allocating where the money goes — to the village, county, state or returned back to the defendant.

Helping Brady stay organized is Court Clerk Leta Jagielski.

“She’s amazing,” he said, adding, “She’s helped guide me through the process.”

Jagielski has been a court clerk for nearly two decades.

Into the night
A second campaign promise, in addition to increased judicial oversight, is Brady’s interest in holding night court.

“Everyone deserves his day in court, and I don’t want to put up roadblocks for anyone,” he said.

For some people, having to take time off from work or finding child care is a hardship.

“Night court affords more people the opportunity to have their day in court," he said.

Although he said this will happen “sooner rather than later,” he wants to fully understand his role as judge before making it happen.

Additionally, he wants to finish the push to make village court safer by arming bailiffs and seeking security grants. Thomas Cione, a town judge who om March lost his bid for village judge to Brady, started the campaign to bring armed security guards into the courtroom.

Last, Brady wants to take an active role in the Orange County Magistrate’s Association and the New York State Magistrate’s Association to ensure that the village court is on the cutting edge for available resources, is in compliance with regulations, and is aware of resources made available by these associations.

“I take a lot of pride in what I do, and I want this court to be recognized as the best court in Orange County by all parties, whether attorneys, other judges, or citizens," Brady said. "The judicial branch is the only portion not under the oversight of the mayor. I take it seriously. People’s life and liberty are at stake and a lot of money comes through this court.”