This court hears Class B misdemeanors (0-180 days in jail, $0 to $2,000 fine) and Class A misdemeanors (0-365 days in jail, $0 to $4,000 fine). Typical Class A and B misdemeanors include Driving While Intoxicated, low-level property crimes, minor drug cases and some sex-related crimes like prostitution and indecent exposure cases. This judge serves for 4 years and the 5th District Court of Appeals hears appeals directly from this court. Must be a US citizen and Texas resident at least 25 years old, a practicing lawyer or judge, or both combined for at least 4 years, and have lived in Dallas County for at least 2 years.
Occupation
Attorney@Law;Former State District
Education
JD Degree; MS Degree: BA Degree
Campaign Phone
214-724-5498
I have been a Criminal Defense Attorney for 36 years and have served 8 years as a State District Judge rendering decisions in cases which are not limited to Capital Murder & Murder Before my legal career I was a High School English Teacher and Girls' Head Coach. All of this experience has given me many opportunities to work with people from many walks of life. I know the difference between incarceration and rehabilitation. "I'll be there" in court to serve the people of Dallas by moving the daily docket with the efficiency that taxpayers expect.
The clamor of the public and the wallets & pockets of people do not effect me and my decisions. When I was a State District Judge I ruled the Texas Death Penalty Statute unconstitutional. Negative comments rang out across the state but afterwards I was presented the Fragile Gavel Award in Houston, which was presented to me because I rendered a serious decision without any consideration of my own personal interest.
www.hawthorneforjudge.com
As a past Judge and if elected I have and will continue to have an open door policy for anyone to be able to approach me. Of course I will not violate the law but will answer any questions that I can and if I cannot answer questions I will determine where answers can be given. Also I can use the best interpreters for non English speaking people. "I'll be there & I want to help."
One of the most pressing challenges facing Dallas misdemeanor courts today is the serious problem with the back log of dockets. In order for Justice to prevail all court dockets must be moved on a daily basis with efficiency and fairness. The wheels of Justice must turn and "I'll be there" to make certain that this job is done,
There is no justice without grace. My judicial philosophy is that a judge must be fair and impartial; must know when to rehabilitate the defendant and when & how to protect the victim.A judge must use his or her ears to listen carefully to the facts; use his or her voice to assert the written law in the courtroom and then use his or her brain & heart to follow the law; apply the law to the facts and render a fair and impartial decision. I'll be there to do just that.
Occupation
Judge of County Criminal Court #6
Education
JD - Indiana University (Maurer) School of Law - 1996, BBA - Accounting - Prairie View A&M Univ-1990
Campaign Phone
972-896-4593
Note:
Encouraging Words - Your circumstances do not have to be your destiny.
Elected as Presiding Judge of County Criminal Court #6 in 2006. Currently Presiding Judge of the County Criminal Courts plus 2 prior terms. Prior LACJ. Consistently demonstrate integrity with balanced, fair and compassionate judicial temperament on and off the Bench. Former Asst District Attorney in Dallas and Ellis Counties. Former Asst Public Defender in Dallas County. Owned and operated a private law practice focusing on criminal cases in Federal, State and Appellate Courts. Conducted thousands of criminal trials, hearings, motions, pleadings, dismissals, and other administrative duties.
Continue addressing each case with compassion, integrity and fairness by recognizing each case represents a person. Understanding that most people want and need to move their cases quickly and in a way that sets them on a better path. Continue implementing fair and legal practices that ensure defendants are appointed competent representation and that the rights of the accused and victims are protected.
Improving the availability of virtual access to the courts, results in increased court appearances, decreased failures to appear, reduced issuance of warrants, reduced loss of communication between clients, attorneys and the courts, and improved disposition rates of criminal court cases overall. Requiring defendants and defense attorneys to provide email addresses and social media contacts, along with phone numbers, could also improve access to the courts and court settings.
Currently, the most pressing challenge facing the courts today is the need for the implementation of a competent computer system that can adequately and efficiently maintain and track all criminal court cases. Inept and inefficient computer systems with insufficient and inaccurate data and processes result in massive confusion, lost data, delays in justice and denial of due process of the law. Also, encourage the Legislature to pass common sense laws that enhance public safety and provide resources for improved quality of life and liberty for everyone.
My judicial philosophy is based in the belief that Judges should consistently demonstrate integrity, fairness and compassion for those who come before them. The laws should be applied in a manner that is transparent and demonstrates accountability on everyone's part. A common sense approach to resolving cases can usually lead to identifying and addressing the core issues, which can often rectify the problem. If the core issues are addressed and the problems are resolved, there's a high probability the criminal conflict goes away and does not return.
