Jonathan Kurland of the Berks County District Attorney’s Office announced he will make a run for judge in the Court of Common Pleas.
Kurland has served in the Berks County DA’s Office since 2001, working under both Republicans and Democrats. As a prosecutor, he has conducted approximately 100 jury trials, working with the police to put murders, gang members, rapists and child molesters behind bars.
“I believe our courts must be a place where the same rules apply for everybody and a Judge must be able to make tough decisions based on the law,” said Kurland. “My background as a career prosecutor has prepared me to do just that.”
Kurland began his career after law school as a judicial clerk. He has spent his entire career in public service to the community. “I believe as Judge I could continue my service to Berks County in greater ways,” said Kurland. He also serves on the board of the Children’s Home of Reading and has served on the Reading Hospital NICU Parent Advisory Board.
“My commitment to Berks County is that as a Judge, I will apply the full and uniform protection of the law and work hard to make sure hearings are run efficiently and in a timely manner. If a defendant is to be punished under the law, then opportunities for rehabilitation will always be balanced with the safety of the community and justice for victims.”
A big focus of Kurland’s career has been child abuse, sexual violence and domestic violence crimes. “These cases have taught me so much and given me so much,” said Kurland. “Beyond compassion for the most vulnerable in our society, the victims in these cases have taught me the need to listen. “
Kurland lives with his wife, Kristina, and their son in Shillington.
