Occupation
Attorney
Education
Tuskegee Univ., B.A. Pol. Sci.; Syracuse Univ. Coll. of Law, J.D.
Campaign Phone
214-422-4350
Campaign YouTube URL
I am a former prosecutor in New York and Texas with nearly eight years of trial experience and have served more than a decade as a Texas State District Judge in Dallas County. I have worked in different jurisdictions and observed a range of prosecutorial models—what improves public safety and fairness, and what creates delay or inconsistency. That perspective allows me to bring proven practices to Dallas County and avoid ineffective norms. I have never been suspended from the practice of law and have no public reprimands in effect.
I will implement an Evidence-Ready Prosecution Standard with a 30-60-90 day case review process so evidence is identified early, preserved properly, and decisions are consistent and transparent. In January 2023, I raised concerns about missing digital evidence; a later audit confirmed deletions. The current administration stated case outcomes were unaffected, but missing evidence cannot be fully assessed once it is unavailable. Justice should not rely on after-the-fact assumptions. Strong systems prevent errors before they occur.
Public safety starts before a case reaches the courtroom. I support focused deterrence for serious violent crime, early intervention for youth, and diversion programs that reduce repeat harm. I will strengthen diversion by setting clear eligibility standards, tracking outcomes, expanding treatment and supervision where proven to work, and removing cost barriers to participation. I will also implement Community Justice Councils to bring residents, service providers, and law enforcement together to identify local safety priorities and prevention strategies.
Bail decisions should be based on risk and public safety, not wealth. I support a fair system that protects the community while ensuring people are not jailed solely because they are indigent. Recent changes to Texas bail law underscore the importance of clear standards and reliable information. Judges must retain the ability to make individualized decisions using supervision and treatment options where appropriate, while high-risk cases are handled in a way that protects public safety.
The most pressing issues ahead are public trust, transparency, and the responsible use of prosecutorial power. My Smart Justice approach centers on clear, written policies the public can see and understand, especially around evidence handling, charging, and case resolution. I support open communication and internal accountability within the DA’s Office so decisions are consistent and principled. Justice works best when it is grounded in facts, law, and community safety, not politics or pressure.
Occupation
Dallas County District Attorney
Education
B.A., North Texas State University, 1978, Juris Doctor, SMU Law School, 1982
Campaign Phone
214-385-8691
Campaign YouTube URL
Licensed to practice law in Texas since 1982.
No reprimands or suspensions.
Continue to make progress in the fight against racial disparity in the justice system. Improve our responses to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance abuse disorders. Continue to reduce violent crime.
Continue to support research-based and evidence-based policing across the county.
Continue diversion and rehabilitation programs that demonstrably reduce re-arrests
The current system is inconsistent in county and court reporting requirements. Those should be improved. Which judges can set or review bonds does not enhance public safety. Instead, it creates inconsistencies that are difficult to navigate.
Advances in technology, such as AI. Also, Dallas County's case management system is not fully implemented. Lack of full implementation created a cumbersome and confusing system. We are still adjusting after almost three years.
