This court handles all levels of felony cases: state jail felonies (180 days to 2 years and $10K fine), third degree felonies (2 to 10 years in prison and $10K fine), second degree felonies (2 to 20 years in prison and $10K fine), first degree felonies (5 years to 99 years or life and $10K fine), and death penalty cases. Typical felony cases range from drug and gun cases, serious assaults, and property crimes and of course child abuse, sexual assault and murder cases. The judge serves a 4 year term and all appeals are heard by the 5th Court of Appeals, except death penalty cases which go directly to the Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin. Must be a US citizen and Texas resident between 25 and 74 years old, a practicing lawyer or judge, or both combined for at least 4 years (per 2021 constitutional amendment this requirement changes to 8 years for terms beginning after 1/1/25), and have lived in Dallas County for at least 2 years.
Occupation
Attorney
Education
2004 - JD, Southern Methodist University (SMU) School of Law; 2001 - BA Psychology & Sociology, SMU
Note:
Instagram: cynthia garza_forjudge363rd
I have been practicing law in Texas since November 2004. I have criminal defense private practice experience representing individuals accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses. Additionally, I worked on appeals and post-conviction cases. I also have appellate experience as an Assistant District Attorney with the Dallas County DA's Office. For the past 16 years, I was in the Conviction Integrity Unit of the DA's Office investigating and litigating cases involving Actual Innocence and Wrongful Conviction. I have been instrumental in the exoneration of the majority of the 35 CIU exonerations.
I am a firm believer in fairness, justice, and integrity. A judge is bound by the law and the application of the law is guided by case facts presented to the court. In my practice, I have made tough recommendations, but always guided by the law and the facts, and never by any pressure or interests. I have a reputation of holding myself to the highest ethical standards – often being called upon to give presentations to prosecutors and defense attorneys in Dallas and around Texas on ethical responsibilities and duties required of us as practitioners.
I fundamentally believe in judicial fairness regardless of an individual’s background, income level, race, gender, and sexual orientation. During the course of my career I have participated in legal, access to justice, clinics assisting members of the public who needed legal advice. I have also participated as a resource witness, testifying before the state legislature in support of bills to improve access to justice for all; for example, appointment of counsel for indigent individuals who cannot otherwise afford an attorney post-conviction.
One of the most pressing challenges facing courts today is the lack of accessible mental health treatment options for individuals who come before the court. While some communities have already begun the process toward bridging this gap, some sources of funding and research have been lacking or recently cut. I propose addressing this issue by working with stakeholders in our community to find a solution to this ongoing issue either by assisting in securing funding or participating in court programs focusing on improving this issue.
My legal philosophy as a practitioner has always been to look at all aspects of the law, including the grey areas – of which there are many, and make the best argument possible, within the letter of the law, noting distinguishing factors and reasons that set each case apart. I also believe in the Constitution and its protections. My judicial philosophy would be the same, and would include ensuring fairness and respect in the legal process while keeping an open mind and listening to all parties involved.
Occupation
Criminal Defense Attorney
Campaign YouTube URL
Note:
IdrisforJudge on all social media platforms
I have lead or assisted in over 100 criminal jury trial cases in courtrooms in Dallas and Tarrant counties for my entire career which spans over 13 years. I have negotiated thousands of criminal pleas to active criminal cases in Dallas and Tarrant counties as well as been a chief prosecutor in courts managing up to 5 other prosecutors at a time. I interned at the court house in high school. I have participated in the Innocence Project, and I currently am managing the budget of my own law firm. I have worked with all types of people from all walks of life in my career.
I follow and operate under the rule of law and with transparency. I wouldn't accept a donation from any one that is large enough for them to even think they can have influence over my decisions.
I have participated in the Innocence Project to attempt to right the wrongs of past administrations. I was a prosecutor for 12 years, and I spent my time educating the public on the judicial system. I am now a criminal defense attorney with my primary focus being defending indigent defendants.
Reducing the Jail Population, Reducing the Case and Trial Backlog, Protecting Fairness and Everyone's Rights in the Judicial Process so there is knowledgeable case disposition, gun violence deterrence and rehabilitation, and unnecessary court fees. I will make sure that no person is able to dispose of their case unless they have fully knowledgable of their rights and decisions in their native language and I will speed the trial process up. I want to start a program for youthful offender to deter gun violence and provide pathways for rehabilitation for those who have already went down that path
Living Constitutionalism. I believe in the rule of law, but I also believe that it should evolve as our society evolves if it no longer serves the community.
