Occupation
criminal defense attorney
Education
BA: University of Texas at Austin 1995 JD: Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law 1998
Campaign Phone
2147697858
I am the only candidate in this race with 27 years of criminal law experience in Dallas County, over 150 felony jury trials, and Board Certification in Criminal Law. For 24 years, I’ve operated my own firm, managing complex caseloads while maintaining legal excellence. A significant portion of my practice involves indigent defense, representing people without resources, which has given me direct understanding of how judicial decisions impact individuals and families. My experience and commitment to equal justice have prepared me to serve with fairness and integrity.
I will adhere strictly to the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct. If any conflict arises involving campaign contributions, relationships, or prior involvement, I will recuse myself and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. My decisions will be based on facts and law, explained on the record, and subject to appellate review. I will maintain an open courtroom and remain accessible to the bar and community. Impartiality means earning trust through consistent, principled decision-making every day.
Access to justice is undermined by language barriers, economic disparities in representation, and pretrial detention based on inability to pay. I will ensure qualified interpreters are available and defendants understand proceedings. I’ll actively manage specialized dockets for mental health and substance abuse cases, prioritize incarcerated defendants’ cases, and advocate for improved indigent defense compensation. Trust is built through transparency and treating everyone with dignity.
The most pressing challenge is managing case backlogs while ensuring efficiency doesn’t compromise justice. I would implement a triage system categorizing cases by complexity and custody status, prioritizing incarcerated defendants. Scheduling orders will establish clear deadlines, creating accountability and transparency. I’ll use technology thoughtfully while ensuring accessibility. Most importantly, I will be present every day, prepared and engaged, so cases move forward decisively. Justice delayed is justice denied.
My philosophy rests on three principles: constitutional fidelity, individualized justice, and procedural fairness. I will protect constitutional rights for every defendant without exception. Every case involves a person whose liberty is at stake; outcomes must be based on facts and law, not on economic status, language, or background. Procedural fairness requires transparency, equal treatment, and ensuring everyone understands proceedings. Democracy depends on courts where every person can participate fully and trust in fair treatment.
Occupation
Attorney
Education
Tulane Law School, Juris Doctorate
Campaign Phone
972-528-9117
My background covers every major part of the criminal justice system. I’ve served as a Dallas County prosecutor under four administrations, worked as a Dallas County Public Defender, and as a legal advisor to the Dallas County Sheriff. I’ve tried cases ranging from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies, including capital murder. This depth of experience gives me a balanced perspective and ensures I’m prepared to serve effectively from day one.
Impartiality and fairness are essential to our justice system so my rulings will be guided solely by the law and the facts presented. Throughout my career, as a prosecutor, a public defender, and as a private defense attorney, I have made decisions based on evidence and the law, not outside influence. That approach will not change on the bench. The people of Dallas County deserve a judge who follows the law and who is fair to all.
Improving access to justice starts with understanding where people are underserved, and my experience across the system gives me that insight. As a former prosecutor, public defender, and legal advisor to a law enforcement agency, I’ve seen how delays, lack of resources, and inconsistent procedures can disadvantage vulnerable communities. Courts can improve access to justice by ensuring timely hearings and trials, partnering with other departments, and having access to resources (funds to start new programs). My goal is to create a courtroom where every person is heard and treated fairly.
Case backlog is a challenge facing our criminal courts. Backlogs delay justice for victims, the accused, and our community. I’ve seen how these delays strain the system; from overcrowded jails, overburdened attorneys to families waiting for closure. My background gives me a unique understanding of how to streamline processes and reduce bottlenecks. By applying the balanced perspective I’ve gained from every side of the criminal justice system, I'd work to create a courtroom that is efficient, transparent, and focused on resolving cases without sacrificing fairness or due process.
My judicial philosophy is grounded in applying the law as written, ensuring due process, and treating every person with dignity. The role of a judge is not to advocate for either side, but to be neutral and follow the law. Judges must follow the law consistently while protecting public safety and safeguarding individual rights, maintaining efficient court operations, and ensuring that every ruling is based on evidence and the law.
Occupation
Criminal Attorney
Education
Bachelors Degree and Juris Doctor Degree
Note:
Vote Alyssa J. Patterson for Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 5 “Dallas County Deserves Real Equal Justice”
Alyssa clerked for the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest criminal court in the State of Oklahoma. Following her legal education, Alyssa returned home to Dallas and became licensed to practice law in Texas in 2015. She began her legal career as a family law and criminal defense attorney in Dallas County. She then went on to become a Briefing Attorney for two terms for the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals at Dallas. Driven by her passion for public service, she has been a prosecutor on the municipal, Justice of the peace, county, and felony Court levels.
I am a strong minded and strong willed person, I have never been a follower, and always stand firm in my beliefs. I also have heart and always do the right thing in life. I will not fold to what someone is telling me to do when the people of Dallas County have elected to a bench. I mean what I say, and I say what I mean. I will not be pressured to change my decisions.
Well access to equal resources in criminal courts are so important and having adequate and qualified legal representation. It’s so important for citizens to have legal counsel that are experienced and qualified to represent them, and it’s so important to have Judges that are fair to all people no matter their race, gender, religion, or economic status. Also more
Programs for defendants accused of felony crimes to keep them out of the system.
I think the most pressing challenge is the backlog of cases and defendants sitting in jail wrongfully awaiting trial. Also it’s important to have judges who review the facts and evidence and all cases before them fairly with no bias. Judges should treat the same defendant equally no matter the race of the defendant or socioeconomic level.
Alyssa deeply understands the complexities of the criminal justice system, including the impact of poverty, economic inequality, and limited access to legal resources. She recognizes how challenging childhood and community environments can contribute to individuals’ involvement in the system. Her approach to justice is grounded in fairness, integrity, and compassion.
She believes that Dallas County deserves judges who are fair, compassionate, and efficient in managing court dockets and trial settings. Alyssa believes every citizen should be treated fairly with dignity and respect and care.
