Occupation
Criminal Defense Attorney
Education
Juris Doctor from Baylor School of Law
Campaign Phone
469-520-7917
Note:
www.instagram.com/dezcooksfor194/
I have 17 years of criminal law experience and 10 years of judicial experience, along with service in the U.S. Navy. I have represented individuals in serious felony cases, including murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and drug possession and distribution. I have served as a municipal judge, presiding over contested hearings, ruling on evidence and motions, and managing high-volume dockets. My background includes jury trials, courtroom leadership, discipline, and a commitment to fairness and judicial temperament.
Impartiality requires discipline and independence. I will follow the law, the judicial canons, and the facts of each case without regard to politics, public pressure, or financial support. Decisions will be based solely on the evidence and legal standards presented in court. Clear rulings on the record, consistent application of the law, and transparent courtroom practices help ensure fairness and maintain public confidence.
Access to justice improves when courts are clear, respectful, and consistent. Judges can reduce barriers by explaining procedures in plain language, enforcing reliable scheduling, and treating all participants with dignity. Efficient docket management, neutrality, and awareness of how courtroom practices affect underserved communities help ensure fairness while protecting constitutional rights for everyone.
A major challenge facing the courts is balancing heavy caseloads with timely, fair outcomes. Delays affect defendants, victims, and public trust. Courts can address this through firm scheduling, early identification of legal issues, efficient hearings, and accountability for readiness. An organized and consistent courtroom promotes due process while moving cases forward responsibly.
My judicial philosophy is grounded in fairness, consistency, and respect for the rule of law. Each case deserves careful attention and an impartial decision based on facts and law. A judge must listen, apply the law evenly, explain rulings clearly, and treat all participants with dignity while safeguarding constitutional protections.
Occupation
Judge
Education
Juris Doctorate
Campaign Phone
682-250-0911
Note:
Please follow me on all social media platforms. It is all about you and that’s why Justice is Better Together.
I have experience as a District Criminal Court Judge handling and presiding over felony bench and jury trials. I also have experience as a criminal trial attorney trying case to the bench and jury.
My rulings remain impartial and free from Political Pressure because I took an oath to follow the law. I am an independent thinker, not influenced by others or their money.
In order to improve access to justice for all, as a judge, I will make sure that every defendant’s due process rights have not been violated. Also, it is important that victims be heard. I will make sure that those who cannot afford an attorney have the best qualified attorney to represent them. I will make sure that cases are handled in a timely manner as not to delay justice. Everyone deserves to be respected and treated fairly.
The most pressing challenge facing the courts today is the political pressure that judges succumb to versus following the law. Of course I am going to follow the law because I have taken an oath to do so. I also am going to make sure that even the least of these are treated fairly in court. I propose that the public show up in court and observe.
Justice is better together. The judiciary should be independent and the law should be applied consistently to everyone. An unbought and unbiased decision maker is necessary to have an effective judicial process, and to maintain the public’s trust.
Occupation
Judge, Dallas CCC #9
Education
College of St. Benedict, BA, 1990; Southern Methodist University School of Law, JD, 1993
Campaign Phone
469-358-6903
I have been the Judge of Dallas County Criminal Court No. 9 since 2007. My career began as a prosecutor, specializing in homicide and felony child abuse cases. I then became a criminal defense attorney and defended those charged with serious felony offenses. I am Board Certified in Criminal Law. As a judge, I created a diversion court for individuals charged with prostitution, helping hundreds of people exit the streets and the system. I am an adjunct professor at SMU, where I coach mock trial. My experience gives me the perspective and judgment necessary to be a fair and effective judge.
Because Texas elects its judges, campaign contributions are an unavoidable reality. Judicial independence and integrity are therefore essential. Judges must be strong individuals who know how to research, interpret, and follow the law free from political pressures. When a judge’s rulings are grounded in solid legal reasoning, I have learned attorneys accept those decisions even when the outcome is not in their favor. For 19 years, I have ruled based on the law and legal reasoning, not on political pressure. I will continue to treat everyone equally, regardless of whether they are donors.
For a defendant’s rights to be protected, it is essential individuals are given access to the courts with proper representation. If a defendant is indigent, I ensure defendants are given representation quickly by having two public defenders assigned to our court, one of which is fluent in Spanish. If a defendant speaks a different language, we work diligently to find the correct interpreter so defendants can understand all the court proceedings. I will continue the practice of ensuring defendants have representation and understand the proceedings.
One of the ongoing challenges is having a court computer system that functions reliably. Dallas County’s new system still has significant deficiencies. In some instances, people remain in jail longer than necessary and the courts cannot see all of a defendant’s cases easily. Daily, my coordinator manually verifies that individuals in our court have been released from jail and no case has been lost in the system. While the new program helps with some issues, it has created other issues. Additional funding for an updated version of Odyssey would help address some of these issues.
I believe a judge must faithfully follow and interpret the law while treating everyone who enters the courtroom with respect and dignity. A judge must be prepared for hearings and trials. A judge should take the time to research legal issues to ensure correct and well-reasoned rulings. While legal decisions must be free from passion or bias, a judge need not abandon compassion or mercy. Sensitivity and understanding are essential when handling difficult cases, and when appropriate, punishment may be tempered with mercy but always within the bounds of the law.
