Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association hosts ‘Lunch with a Judge’ with acting Justice Christopher Robles

July 18, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Hon. Christopher Robles pictured here with Hon. Margarita Lopez Torres. Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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The summer hasn’t stopped the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, as it has continued on with its regular program, including its “Lunch with a Judge” series that continued last Thursday with Hon. Christopher Robles.

Robles serves as an acting justice of the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. He discussed his court and his background with Hon. Genine Edwards, moderator and chair of the BWBA’s Lunch with a Judge Committee, and members of the BWBA during lunch over Zoom.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Christopher Robles has deep roots in the community he now serves. He attended public school through high school and went on to graduate from St. John’s University and CUNY Law School.

Appointed as a Brooklyn Criminal Court judge in 2017, Robles has served as an Acting Supreme Court justice in the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, since the beginning of 2024.

His extensive involvement in the community includes past membership on the board of directors of the Puerto Rican Bar Association (PRBA) and the Sunset Park Business Improvement District (BID). He has also worked as a small claims court arbitrator in Brooklyn and is an active member of the Sunset Park Lions Club and Bay Ridge Lawyers Association.

Acting Justice Christopher Robles speaks during the Brooklyn Women's Bar Association's "Lunch with a Judge" event. Screenshot via Zoom — Acting Justice Christopher Robles speaks during the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association’s “Lunch with a Judge” event. Screenshot via Zoom

“I am a lifelong Brooklyn resident; I still live here,” Judge Robles said. “I’m currently serving in the Supreme Court, Criminal Term in Part 1. I handle the Blue Zone.” He explained that the Blue Zone encompasses multiple precincts and, in addition, handles vehicular cases indicted in Brooklyn. Robles also serves as a “wheel judge,” stepping in for other judges when they are unavailable.

Reflecting on his varied judicial experience, Robles mentioned his time at the Red Hook Community Court, which emphasizes alternatives to incarceration and provides comprehensive services such as drug treatment, GED classes, and job placement.

“I’ve done Red Hook Community Court many times; I was the backup to then-Judge Alex Calabrese. That court focuses on alternatives to incarceration and provides wraparound services,” he said.

Judge Robles shared his perspective on the importance of addressing underlying issues in criminal cases, such as mental health and homelessness.

“In the world of criminal justice, there is a big push to try to deal with criminal cases in a way that prevents recidivism,” Robles said. “Alternatives to incarceration when it’s appropriate, offering drug treatment, mental health.”

He explained the significance of including victims in the justice process, “(The process doesn’t legally require) the victim’s input, but I require the victim’s input because they’re worthy of being heard.”

Members of the Brooklyn Women's Bar Association participate in the "Lunch with a Judge" Zoom session featuring Acting Justice Christopher Robles. Screenshot via Zoom — Members of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association participate in the “Lunch with a Judge” Zoom session featuring Acting Justice Christopher Robles. Screenshot via Zoom

Despite the challenges, Robles expressed a profound passion for his work. “I love this job. I always say that this isn’t working for me. The best part is meeting people from all over Brooklyn.” He described jury selection as one of his favorite parts of the process, appreciating the opportunity to interact with diverse members of the community.

The judge reflected on the emotional weight of his responsibilities, especially when sentencing individuals to lengthy prison terms: “Having to do your duty and sentence someone to a lengthy period of time. That is a heavy-duty, but sometimes the conduct is so unacceptable to society that there is no other option.”

“We really appreciate you sharing your time with us,” said Justice Edwards. She then reminded attendees of the upcoming ‘paint and sip’ event on Thursday, July 25th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

“We will have drinks and food; it is right here at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, so hopefully everyone can come and support us,” Judge Edwards concluded.