Occupation
Attorney/Criminal Defense Attorney
Education
Juris Doctor, Florida Coastal School of Law; B.B.A. in Business Management, Oakwood University
Campaign Phone
817-435-1195
Note:
Instagram: CarrieforJudge
I have been a licensed attorney for fifteen years, with twelve years of substantial experience in criminal law in Florida and Texas. I handle cases from misdemeanors to capital murder. I tried approximately fifty trials to verdict in misdemeanor and felony courts. I was selected to work with the Capital Murder Division in the Dallas County Public Defender's Office. My proven strong work ethic allows me to efficiently manage and reduce a court docket. I am recognized for my ability to work with all relevant parties. My B.B.A. in Business Management equipped me with skills to manage a court.
I am firmly committed to protecting constitutional rights and ensuring due process for every person who appears in my court. The easiest way to ensure my rulings remain impartial is to be knowledgeable of the law and judge based on the facts, evidence presented, and the applicable law. With this approach, rulings will remain impartial no matter who donates. Every person deserves to be heard, treated with dignity and respect, and receive equal treatment under the law.
First, I would ensure justice is accessible to all by showing up and being present. Second, everyone should feel recognized as a human being, not merely the alleged criminal offense before the court. Dignity and respect can ease fears and tensions associated with being in court. Third, I would provide all relevant information regarding legal assistance for those with economic hardships. Fourth, I would use licensed interpreters for those who speak a different language. Lastly, I would allow everyone the opportunity to be heard to an extent that it's not harmful to their case.
Timely case resolution is a pressing challenge for misdemeanor courts. For those in jail, I would propose a first appearance before me within twenty-four hours of arrest to address bond, probable cause, and indigency. Creating a six-to-eight-month timeframe for the disposition of a filed case would be ideal. Misdemeanor cases should not be pending for more than a year in most circumstances. I would consult with other jurisdictions on their processes, and I would research technology available to assist with efficiency. I would consult with all departments so the process benefits everyone.
My judicial philosophy centers on five core principles: consistent presence, impartiality, equity, respect for the law, and efficient administration of justice. A judge must be actively present and accessible to administer justice. A judge must be fair and equitable, as everyone is not starting at the same point. As judge, I am committed to protecting constitutional rights, ensuring due process for all, as well as promoting community safety. Finally, the court should be efficient and well-managed, so cases are timely resolved to avoid a delay in justice.
Occupation
Criminal Defense Attorney
Education
South Texas College of Law Houston; J.D. and St. Mary's University, B.A Criminology
I am a first-generation attorney in my family, having been raised by a single mother I have been taught the value of hard-work, integrity and respect for all. I have over nine years of legal experience as a non-profit immigration attorney, City of Dallas Prosecutor, Public Defenders and Criminal Defense attorney. My legal background has allowed me to serve all kinds of Dallas County communities members from various cultural backgrounds, languages, social economic status and education. All these experiences have allowed me to know my communities and the needs to best serve.
I intend to approach the bench with integrity and understanding that the entire community will hold me accountable not simply those who may have agreed or supported my campaign. I have served Dallas as a prosecutor and public defender, where I learned the value of each side of the aisle. I understand both perspectives and intend to respect each on the bench by mentorship, transparency and accountability within the court. A judge is there to uphold the balance of justice. I do not take the responsibility lightly and hope to maintain that balance with transparency and fairness.
Dallas County is made up of a beautiful blend of cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Currently our criminal courthouse only has two bilingual judges; one in misdemeanor and one in felony. I am bilingual in Spanish, one of the few candidates who is. I hope to push for more bilingual programs and resources to be made available. To improve access to justice for all, our courts must reflect our communities. Representation makes a difference in how people may come to trust the courts and the process. I hope to also have a well-rounded staff prepared to serve our community.
Dallas County misdemeanor courts are courts I have worked in daily for the past 2 and half years. I see people of all backgrounds and needs. I believe with more programs in misdemeanor courts to allow for persons to take responsibility and get guidance we will be able to reduce repeat offenders and help those needing support. Dallas County second my most spoken language is Spanish, by developing more dual language programs will help in developing more creative solutions to resolve the cases.
My judicial philosophy is that all persons in the court system are there to come together in ensure justice is met. The judge is there to maintain the balance of the State and the defense as there is a person in the middle of each case. Justice is whatever it needs to be, if it’s a second chance, strict sentencing, compassionate programs, or dismissal.
