Eric Garmon Challenges Incumbent Larry Basford with a Vision for Quicker Justice for Victims

BAY COUNTY, FL - In the upcoming election, the race for the position of State Attorney, 14th Judicial Circuit in Bay County has intensified as Eric Garmon challenges the incumbent, Larry Basford. Garmon, a Bay County local, former Marine and seasoned police officer turned lawyer, seeks to address inefficiencies in the criminal justice system that have long plagued the community. Garmon's journey into public service began in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, when he joined the Marines to serve his country. Following his military service, he transitioned into law enforcement, dedicating himself to keeping the community safe. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became a traffic homicide investigator, gaining a unique perspective on the inner workings of the criminal justice system. The catalyst for Garmon's decision to run for prosecutor stems from his observation of systemic inefficiencies. At the age of 27, he pursued a law degree to expand his capacity to make a positive impact. His legal career led him to civil law, where he advocated for police officers and handled just cause cases. However, it was during this time that he began noticing a concerning pattern in political cases and the emergence of a two-tiered justice system. Garmon highlights a troubling aspect of the current system: the stark contrast between the treatment of individuals based on their connections. According to him, those with political or social connections can secure legal representation, await trial at home, and experience a more lenient process. On the other hand, those without such connections often find themselves languishing in jail for months, waiting for a court-appointed attorney. One of the inefficiencies Garmon points out is the lack of a streamlined intake process at the prosecutor's office. He suggests the introduction of an intake attorney or a bureau of attorneys responsible for reviewing and accepting criminal charges, along with relevant evidence such as video footage. This change aims to expedite the justice system and prevent unnecessary delays. Garmon also draws attention to the issue of delayed justice in major crimes. With cases trailing behind by 2-3 years, he emphasizes the need for better training for prosecutors to address the backlog effectively. Additionally, he advocates for proactive prosecutors which will lead to fast dismissals of those innocent of a crime, quicker justice for victims and swifter verdicts for those found guilty of a crime. Garmon notes, “ In recent years we have paid Walton County millions of dollars per year to house our excess inmates.” A specific concern raised by Garmon is the overflow of Bay County jails into Walton County due to the increasing number of people awaiting trial. He stresses the need for urgent action to alleviate the burden on the system, proposing reforms to prevent erroneous charges, late filings, utilizing alternative courts and ending extended stays in jail awaiting court appointed attorneys. Eric Garmon's candidacy revolves around a commitment to addressing inefficiencies in the criminal justice system. His background as a Marine, police officer, and lawyer uniquely positions him to understand and tackle the challenges facing the community. As the election approaches, voters will decide whether Garmon's vision for criminal justice reform resonates with their aspirations for a fair and efficient legal system in Bay County. (Bay County Coastal does not endorse candidates.)