The text of all four ads is reproduced below.

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Punishments that fit the crime

All too often these days we hear about criminals who have received lenient sentences, while other offenders who have committed similar crimes get harsher punishments. Many times circumstances surrounding similar crimes rightly result in different sentences. Our state judges asked for more guidance in sentencing.

I’m proud to have helped put new sentencing guidelines into effect in Michigan. These guidelines will assure a more consistent application of punishments.

I want to continue to make such contributions from the bench. But I can’t do it alone. I need your help on November 6th.

Re-Elect Judge Megargle
Branch County Circuit Judge
November 6th

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Let’s keep court costs down

Some of your local tax dollars go to keep my court in operation. With so much concern about rising legal costs, I’ve tried to keep costs down. The Branch County Circuit Court handles 60 percent more cases now that it did when I first arrived in 1975. Yet, my staff and I have managed the greater workload without any increase in personnel.

I want to continue this prudent management of your tax dollars. But I can’t do it alone. I need your help on November 6th.

Re-Elect Judge Megargle
Branch County Circuit Judge
November 6th

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Presumed innocent until proven guilty

The presumption of innocence is one of the most cherished principles of our legal system. It’s one of those concepts that separates our country from those countries that have little or no respect for individual rights.

The rules for our courts say that someone accused of a crime must be released on his own recognizance unless the people show convincingly that a bond is necessary to guarantee that the accused will appear for a trial. I have never set a bond so as to punish ahead of time those who later may be found guilty. And that’s part of what the presumption of innocence is all about.

I want to continue to serve you from the bench, respecting individual rights as our forefathers did. But I can’t do it alone. I need your help on November 6th.

Re-Elect Judge Megargle
Branch County Circuit Judge
November 6th

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Deciding child custody: A question of experience

Deciding the custody of children is perhaps the most difficult task that faces any judge. It requires sensitivity and experience to weigh carefully a child’s “best interests” and to deal justly with both parents.

I want my nine years of experience on the bench to continue to work for you and for children involved in divorces. But I can’t do it alone. I need your help on November 6th.

Re-Elect Judge Megargle
Branch County Circuit Judge
November 6th