An official swearing-in ceremony of new Judge James Heuerman enlivened Courtroom B, at the Whiteside County Courthouse, 200 E. Knox Street, Morrison, IL, on Monday, February 4, 2019, shortly after 8:00 a.m. It was both a joyful and momentous occasion. Chief Judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit Walter Braud, left, performed the ceremony to acknowledge former Whiteside County Public Defender James Heuerman as Whiteside County Judge Heuerman. Actually, he had been a judge for four days.
In 2011, Heuerman was appointed Whiteside County’s only Public Defender from the State’s Attorney Office. His position afforded him staff: a full-time Assistant PD; two part-time Assistant PD’s; a Conflict Attorney (non-County employee.) In late 2018, a new order was filed by the Supreme Court for his assignation as Associate Judge. On Thursday, January 31, 2019, the new Public Defender was sworn in–Mark Holldorf. So, for a few hours, Heuerman was “unemployed.” The new title Associate Judge was conferred upon him on Friday, February 1.
He received a degree from Northern Illinois University School of Law, DeKalb, IL. He passd the Bar Exam in 1993 and “began work in Morrison right away with Ron Coplan, becoming a partner, until 2002.” That year he worked at the firm of Pignatelli, Liston, and Mertes until 2005, when he joined Whiteside County State’s Attorney Office.
Before the ceremony, former State’s Attorney Gary Spencer told the Editor, “He’s [Heuerman] a good man.” James Heuerman was a former Assistant State’s Attorney under Spencer. Presiding Judge Trish Senneff welcomed those in attendance; recognized current and past members of the Bar; introduced Chief Judge Braud.
Judge Braud remarked, “Today there are 20 [other] judges in four Counties of the 14th Judicial Circuit.” Counties include Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside. “This new man will be the 22nd. To ‘serve the law’ is why we have been selected. James Heuerman served a long time in this County as Public Defender. He comes highly recommended.”
A wardrobe malfunction caused a tender moment of interruption in the ceremony. Heuerman wore a suit to the important event. His father, Robert, sat in the front row with family members and held a custom-fitted, black robe. As he saw his son raise his right hand to take the oath of office, he stepped forward to help his son into his first judge’s robe. With Heuerman dressed appropriately for the solemn occasion, Chief Judge Braud continued.
To conclude, Judge Senneff told the attendees about collaborative problem-solving methodology Heuerman exhibited during their courtroom confrontations. He wanted each of them to “lay our cards on the table” before beginning proceedings, to make sure both sides properly interpreted the laws that applied to their case. The goal for Prosecution and Defense, she added, was to make sure [we] “served the law and our clients, with fairness in the courtroom.”
“This is probably the most important speech I’ve ever given,” stated Judge Heuerman. “The gratitude I have for every, single person here” could be a whole speech. “I spent 25 years, pleased to be heard before the judges. I understand my place in the [process] now.”
With a standing ovation, guests and colleagues warmly welcomed Judge Heuerman. Standing left-to-right are Whiteside County Judges Stanley Steines, John Bell, Tim Slavin, James Heuerman; Chief Judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit Walter Braud; Retired Judge Michael R. Albert; Judges Trish Senneff and Vicki Wright.
James Heuerman was born in Freeport, IL, and has resided “almost 25 years” in Sterling, IL. The family is shown left-to-right below: son Ryan; daughter’s boyfriend Travis Ganther; daughter Sara; Judge Heuerman; wife Susan; mother Diane, and father Robert Heuerman; father-in-law John Goldhagen.
