CELEB OF QUEENS page 11 Ju di cia l
Judge Cheree Buggs doles out the justice
After two decades as an attorney, she was appointed to the bench in 2007 by AnnMarie Costella
Buggs replied, “Not at this time, but anything is possible. I’m just enjoying what I’m doing right now. If someone he very first time Civil Court Judge Cherree were to dangle a few million dollars in front of me — I’d Buggs put on her black robe, it was bittersweet. think about it, I guess.” She felt proud to be able to ensure that justice is Before becoming a judge, Buggs, 48, was an attorney for being served, but also sad that her parents had 20 years. She started her legal career at an insurance defense not lived to see her appointed to the bench. firm where she stayed for a year before leaving to work for Buggs was nervous because she inithe Human Resources Administration tially began in family court and had from 1988 to 1991. Cases there very little experience with family law. involved persons who were deemed to “You think to yourself, you have a be incompetent or incapacitated to the ’ve always been very lot of people’s lives in your hands and point where they could no longer you don’t have a clue,” she said. “So make decisions regarding their percommunity minded that was nerve racking for me and cersonal welfare or finances. tainly required some prayer before I Buggs served as a guardian because I’ve always left my chambers.” when appointed by the believed to whom But now, Buggs enters the courtcourt. She also served as room at the Queens Civil Court with a court evaluator, conmuch is given, much great confidence presiding over noducting research, interfault cases regarding car accidents, viewing the person who is expected.” small claims disputes and occasionally was said to need the — Judge Cheree Buggs consumer credit transaction trials. guardian and examinBuggs said the small claims cases ing medical issues to are very similar to those that are seen determine if such care on daytime court room television programs like “Judge was absolutely necessary, because that person Judy,” but there are some differences. in essence loses rights. “I think what you have sometimes are the TV judges Buggs then did similar work in private playing to the audience, and so they make it a little more practice. At the same time, she served as an dramatic than it needs to be,” Buggs said. “Although it can administrative law judge with the city’s Parkbe considered the best reality show going, because some of ing Violations Operations. She also served as it is comedy — just to see how the people react to one counsel for the city Health and Hospitals another and some of the things that people say.” Corp. and Jamaica Hospital, regarding cases When asked if she could see herself having a TV show, continued on page 30 Civil Court Judge Cheree Buggs loves her job. Assistant Editor
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Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 23, 2011
WONDER WOMEN OF Q UEENS
PHOTO BY ANNMARIE COSTELLA
Advocate cares for Queens’ crime victims Takes the harmed and their families through the criminal justice process by Michael Cusenza Editor
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he enduring example of her mother, Jacqueline Victor, coupled with the words of poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, have helped carry Natasha Morales to her position at the Queens District Attorney’s Office. “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love,” reads the Angelou quote that Morales has
other members of the district attorney’s staff, she visits several public schools in Far Rockaway from September through May as part of the Straight Talk About Risks Track anti-violence program. “We explain to them some of the cases that we see,” Morales said. “We want them to know they can make good decisions, and teach them that they can be advocates for someone else. With the kids, it’s more about shaping.” Morales related how incidents involving children, in particular, can exact an emotional toll on her and her staff, who are tasked with helping the family in the aftermath. “When you see a 6-year-old in a casket, you see an innocent bystander,” she said. “It kind of makes you feel saddened about the direction of our children and what’s going on with them.” Morales noted that most of the cases her office handles relate to violent crimes, including assault, rape, robbery, domestic disputes and homicide. She said she often becomes close with murder victims’ families — especially during sentencing and when they have the opportunity to deliver a victim impact statement to the court — sharing a bond that can last long after the system has run its course. “Every homicide victim’s family I have is near and dear to me,” Morales said. “I think I do this work especially because of them.” Whether it’s counseling a family, or organizing the DA’s annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week celebration, Morales speaks of her job as a calling, one she approaches daily with a palpable passion born of a strong upbringing and the advice of the trailblazers. “Any day has the potential of being emotional and stressful,” she said. “But knowing the help and support Q you’re giving, it kind of washes it all away.”
14TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF QUEENS • 2011
Natasha Morales is the director of Queens DA Richard Brown’s PHOTO BY MICHAEL CUSENZA Crime Victims Advocate Program.
memorized. “Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” Morales often looks to the advice and actions of dynamic female figures such as Angelou, and her mom, whom she described as “kind, loving — but also a fighter and a strong woman,” to aid her in the often emotionally draining process of guiding crime victims and their families through the criminal justice process. The Queens Village native has been the director of DA Richard Brown’s Crime Victims Advocate Program since 2006. Morales and her small staff help victims deal with the “concrete and psychological issues” that can surface in the wake of criminal acts, and prepares them to apply for monetary help from the state Office of Victim Services. The program also provides counseling, crisis intervention and group therapy for those in need. “Most aren’t aware that they can receive compensation for victimization,” Morales noted inside a fourth-floor conference room at the DA’s main office in Kew Gardens. “Sometimes the criminal justice process can be very overwhelming and intimidating. We go with them to court, explain everything. Our job is to help crime victims in any capacity we can.” The SUNY-Old Westbury and Adelphi University alum arrived at the CVAP in April, 2005 as a volunteer. Approximately a year later, she was asked by Brown to lead it. “I came to volunteer, and ended up with the opportunity of a lifetime,” asserted Morales, a licensed mental health counselor who originally had designs on practicing law for a living. “Sometimes we don’t know when opportunities are going to come.” The chance to volunteer with Brown’s office did not stop after Morales was appointed director. Along with