Yuma prosecutor chosen to fill Superior Court vacancy

Gov. Jan Brewer on Tuesday announced the appointment of attorney David Marlow Haws to fill a vacancy in the Yuma County Superior Court created by the appointment of Judge Andrew Gould to the Arizona Court of Appeals.

“Not only has David had an impressive legal career, he also touts the courtroom demeanor becoming of a Superior Court judge,” said Brewer. “With a steadfast regard for judicial restraint and a palpable respect for the law, David will be a tremendous asset to the Yuma County Superior Court.”

Longtime Yuma attorney Dale Wren made similar remarks, saying he felt the governor selected the right person for the job. “He will make a very good judge, and I wish him well.”

Haws was chosen over two other applicants: John Minore, a Yuma attorney with a private practice, and Kathryn Eileen Stocking-Tate, a Yuma County Superior Court commissioner.

Haws, currently a supervising deputy county attorney, said being a judge is something he has considered throughout over the years and that the recent vacancy was coming at the right time in his career.

“It's big job and an awesome responsibility, but I believe I'm ready to take on the challenge. I have been a prosecutor for 20 years now. I have been before a lot of judges. I have seen a lot of judges and I have an idea of what it takes to be a good judge, and I'm going to do my best to be that.”

Haws has been licensed to practice law in Arizona since 1989. He began his legal career as an associate at Fennemore Craig in Phoenix, where he spent two years in civil and commercial litigation.

He joined the Yuma County Attorney's Office in 1991, where he focused exclusively on criminal prosecution for the past 20 years. He also has jury trial and appellate court experience.

Haws has been a volunteer coach for city of Yuma youth basketball and baseball for 12 years and is on the board of the Housing Authority of the City of Yuma, which helps low-income individuals find affordable housing.

He graduated from J. Reuben Clarke Law School in 1989 after receiving his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in 1986.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.