Frequently Asked Questions
How did Judge Overstreet become a Judge?
Upon Judge James Wexstten’s appointment to the Appellate Court to fill the vacancy by the untimely death of Justice Terry Hopkins, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier formed a screening committee to review applicants to fill Judge Wexstten’s newly vacant circuit seat. The committee consisted of attorneys and a retired Judge from the Second Judicial Circuit.
After an extensive evaluation process Justice Karmeier recommended David Overstreet to the Supreme Court of Illinois, to fill the vacancy of Judge Wexstten. Upon Justice Karmeier’s recommendation, the Supreme Court of Illinois appointed Judge Overstreet as Circuit Judge at Large in the Second Judicial Circuit of Illinois effective May 1, 2007.
If elected in the General Election of 2008, Judge Overstreet will serve a term of six years and then be required to run for retention. To be retained, a Judge must earn a 60% “yes” vote to remain serving in their position.
What counties are included in the Second Judicial Circuit?
Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne and White.
As a Circuit Judge at Large, Judge Overstreet still “rides” the circuit as his predecessors of years past. Judge Overstreet has held court in all of the twelve counties of the Second Circuit and continues to travel daily to the different county courthouses to serve citizens across the circuit.
What is the ISBA Judicial Advisory Poll and what does it mean?
Each election cycle the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) polls local attorneys regarding various categories of qualifications of each candidate for office. Judge Overstreet was evaluated by attorneys in the Second Judicial Circuit who have worked with him in the past as peer attorneys and those who have appeared before Judge Overstreet since his appointment to the bench.
Judge Overstreet was rated in the top five of judicial candidates across the entire State of Illinois in the 2008 General Election. Judge Overstreet earned higher ratings than his opponent in every category evaluated by the ISBA. Categories rated include integrity, impartiality, legal ability, temperament, court management, health, sensitivity and meeting the requirements of office.
What experience does Judge Overstreet bring to the bench?
Before being appointed to the bench, Judge Overstreet practiced law for nearly 16 years in private law firms. For the past eleven years, David concentrated on family and municipal law. He has acted as the attorney to local villages, cities, towns and governmental bodies.
David was elected as President and Vice President of the Jefferson County Bar Association and is still an active member. Judge Overstreet is also a member of the Illinois Judges Association.
What is Judge Overstreet’s personal background?
David grew up in Mt. Vernon, where he still resides today with his wife Suzanne and their three fantastic children.
He is a long time member of the Woodmen of the World, Mt. Vernon Rotary, YMCA, Jefferson County Sports Authority and other local organizations. David has served in many community service groups including Crime Stoppers and Project Excell, and has coached various youth sports programs. Judge Overstreet also volunteered as a youth camp counselor, and formerly was the coordinator of the YMCA youth Y-Guides program.
David is a long time member and Deacon of the Mt. Vernon Church of Christ where he also teaches Bible Classes.