Kings County District Attorney
Marc Fliedner

Running for: Civil Court Judge in Kings County District Attorney

Campaign Website: https://marcforda.com/

Party Line(s): 
Democratic, Write-In

On the Ballot in:
The general election on November 7

Incumbent, Challenger, or Open Seat:
Marc Fliedner is a challenger, running against the incumbent who currently serves in this office

We asked, and Marc Fliedner answered!

We sent questionnaires to candidates for civil court judge, to find out about their legal experience, and their perspectives on how to apply the law.

Marc Fliedner put in the time and thought to fill it out, and we're excited to share the responses!

Check out the candidate's answers to these sections below (and note, our questions are in bold).

Marc Fliedner's Background

Currently serving in any elected office?
No

Current Job

I have maintained a solo civil rights and criminal defense law practice since July 2016.

Previous Jobs

Kings County Assistant District Attorney (Chief, Civil Rights; Chief, Major Narcotics; Senior Trial Attorney, Homicide, Sex Crimes): September 2006- June 2016


Senior Litigation Attorney, Kamensky Cohen & Associates (Trenton, NJ): Spring 2001-Fall 2006 (Advocate for those victimized in institutionalized settings, like schools and churches; criminal defense).

Education
Shore Regional High School
The American University, B.A. (Public Communication)
George Washington University Law School, J.D.

Professional Associations

LGBT Bar Association of New York City

Volunteer Experience

Past Board of Directors: Brooklyn Community Pride Center; Stonewall Community Development Corporation; Sands House.

Community Affiliations and Membership

Other Relevant Experience

Past Member: LGBT Advisory Board to NYPD Police Commissioner
Past Member: New Jersey Sexual Assault Protocol Council
Past Responsibilities at Kings County District Attorney's Office:
Coordinator, VOICE-Out (Victims on Impact of Crime Event), Annual
EEO Officer and Counselor,
Minority Recruitment

Lessons from Experience

My balance of work as an Assistant District Attorney and civil rights/criminal defense attorney has informed everything I do professionally and personally, as I have come to see, from the front lines, how morally and ethically broken the criminal justice system is. I have concluded that only when a local prosecutor steps up to the plate and uses his/her broad discretion to make systemic change will true reform (bail, alternatives to incarceration, refusal to pursue low-level victimless crimes, etc.) be achieved. I am prepared to be that prosecutor.

Marc Fliedner's Legal Experience

Year Admitted to the NYS Bar
1989

Admission to other jurisdictions, including all federal and state courts and the dates of admission

New Jersey, 1988

Recent, relevant Continuing Legal Education (CLE) coursework

Wide-ranging constitutional rights-centered subject matter.

Please provide any information about published works in legal journals or books that demonstrate your legal knowledge and abilities.

If you are currently a practicing attorney: how many cases have you tried to conclusion in court or via settlement in the last 5 years?

Please use this space to tell us more about how your legal experience would inform your work as District Attorney.

Marc Fliedner's Perspectives on the Role of District Attorney

Click on the topics to see Marc Fliedner's responses!

  Priorities + Challenges

Priorities + Challenges

What are 3 types of crimes which should utilize the highest percentage of law enforcement resources? Why, and how would you handle these cases?

1. Hate-based violent offenses, including hate-based homicides. A priority because they are on the rise and far too many are left unsolved or inadequately developed to established the bias element of the crimes. Will be addressed via creation of a free-standing Hate Crimes Bureau staffed with experienced ADAs and investigators and culturally competent support staff.
2. Organized firearms trafficking. Critical because of the proliferation of illegal guns being dumped onto our streets and thereafter used in acts of gun violence. Will be addressed via creation of a free-standing Firearms and Narcotics Trafficking Bureau that is properly staffed with professionals who are prepared to fairly and aggressively employ wiretapping and other investigative techniques.
3. Public corruption. A priority because acts of public corruption undermine the public trust and thereby distance the public from government resources that should enhance daily living. Will be addressed via adequate commitment of resources, including financial and data analysts, AND by ensuring that the District Attorney and executives around him/her are not beholding to such officials or those affiliated with them.


 
What are 3 types of crimes that you believe are under-addressed by DA's offices - and what is your plan to address each of those issues?

1. Public corruption. See 15. c., above. A priority because acts of public corruption undermine the public trust and thereby distance the public from government resources that should enhance daily living. Will be addressed via adequate commitment of resources, including financial and data analysts, AND my ensuring that the District Attorney and executives around him/her and not beholding to such officials or those affiliated with them.
2. Police brutality, misconduct and corruption. Brooklyn residents, particularly those in communities of color, currently fear the consequences of police interaction, creating a conflict that undermines community safety initiatives and destroys the public trust. Will be addressed by establishment of a free-standing Law Enforcement Complaint Investigations Bureau with the capacity and will to objectively investigate such cases and prosecute zealously where appropriate.
The DA must work with the police, not for the police.
3. Predatory acts of fraud against vulnerable communities, including the elderly and differently abled. A priority because we are an aging city, and one that has never adequately connected with or protected the differently abled and those that care for them. Will be addressed via smart and aggressive investigation by competent ADAs and investigators.


 
What do you believe are the most challenging types of cases handled by the District Attorney's Office - and how would you handle them?

1. Police misconduct and public corruption cases are challenging because they are subject to undue political interests and the constant glare of media attention. They are a priority for me. Please see 16. above.
2. Domestic violence cases are consistently challenging because of the unique dynamics inherent in such offenses. They are tough to get reported, tough to investigate, tough to investigate and tough to get to trial. These obstacles can only be overcome via strong and creative community partnerships that address these obstacles to successful prosecution.


 
Are there any laws that you believe should be changed, to make prosecution and law enforcement more just?

Please see 8. above. I believe there are a litany of low level offenses currently designated as crimes that should be eliminated from the Penal Law. Additionally, I seek modification of certain sections of the Penal Law that do not address the needs of communities that require designation as protected classes. Example: "Gender identity and expression" is NOT currently a protected class under our hate crimes statute and this requires modification.

  Office Management + Staffing + Organization
  Particular Crimes + Law Enforcement
  Community Interaction

Marc Fliedner's Demographic Info

Age Range: 50-59

Gender: Male

Sexual Orientation: Gay or Lesbian

Do you consider yourself a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender (LGBT) community? Yes

Race: White/Caucasian

Religion:

Marc Fliedner's Campaign Finance Info

Marc Fliedner is  not eligible to participate in NYC’s public matching system, as this seat is not included in the program. This office is a state office, and the NYC matching program gives candidates for city offices – mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president, and city council – the chance to receive 6 times the amount of eligible money she/he raised through the NYC Campaign Finance Board.

For more information about political donations to Marc Fliedner, and how the money is being spent, check out the candidate filing summaries here.

Credits

A big "thank you" to Marc Fliedner and campaign team for the time, thought, effort, and willingness to fill out our questionnaire.

Photo Source: