I have been a criminal attorney for over 14 years. I was a prosecutor for 12 years focusing my career on child abuse and domestic violence. Then for the past two years in August, I have been practicing criminal defense. I also have management and training experience. I have a positive and caring personality with an even temper. All of my experience has prepared me to make the best decisions from the bench. My personality and upbringing is what has taught me to treat everyone with respect.
Bail reform should be about public safety and ensuring someone returns to court, not about how much money they have. Bail decisions should be made by looking at the facts of the case, the person's history, risk to the community and the person's financial ability all on a case by case basis.
Reducing drunk driving starts with education, easy access to ride share options and early intervention for offenders. Consequences for dwi should be meaningful and focused on changing behavior so that it does not happen again.
Everyone deserves competent representation, regardless of their income. An expanded and well funded public defenders office could improve fairness and efficiency in the system.
In order to reduce jail overpopulation we need to move cases efficiently throughout the district attorneys office and the court, use pretrial release appropriately and expand diversion and treatment options for nonviolent offenders. Judges should focus on who truly needs to be in custody for public safety, while ensuring cases don't sit unnecessarily long without resolution.
I do not believe the system impacts everyone equally. A persons income or access to funds directly affects bail, legal representation, and stability while a case is pending. Judges must be mindful of how decisions affect real people and work to ensure fairness, consistency and equal treatment under the law, regardless of economic status
I am a St. Mary’s University Law graduate and have been a prosecutor for more than a decade, serving in misdemeanor, juvenile, and district courts. I have tried jury and bench trials, including serious felony offenses such as murder, crimes against children, and domestic violence. Beyond trials, I understand that judges must manage dockets, ensure cases move forward, and apply the law fairly. I am known for my temperament, preparation, and for treating all parties with respect.
Bail should ensure court appearance while also addressing public safety. It shouldn't result in the unnecessary detention of non-violent individuals solely because they cannot afford it. Judges must consider public safety, flight risk, seriousness of the offense, criminal history, and financial circumstances. Cash bail can be effective, but judges should thoughtfully articulate bail decisions and use discretion to balance individual rights with community safety.
Drunk driving is a serious public safety issue in Bexar County. Courts can help reduce the number of offenses by applying consistent consequences, using appropriate pretrial conditions such as restrictions on alcohol use or driving when warranted, and addressing underlying alcohol abuse issues when identified. Clear expectations and accountability in court proceedings play an important role in discouraging dangerous conduct.
Access to counsel is a critical part of a fair justice system. While decisions about expanding a public defender’s office are matters for other officials, the availability of defense counsel affects how efficiently and fairly cases move through the courts. A judge's role is to ensure defendants are represented, that appointed counsel have sufficient time to prepare, and that cases proceed consistent with the law.
Jail overpopulation is a complex issue involving many parts of the justice system. As a judge, my role would be to apply the law, move cases forward efficiently, and make individualized decisions based on the facts before the court. Reducing unnecessary delay and resolving cases in a timely manner are ways courts can help limit prolonged pretrial detention.
The criminal justice system does not impact all economic classes equally. People with fewer financial resources often face greater challenges navigating the system, including securing counsel and managing the time and cost of court appearances. A judge cannot eliminate those disparities, but a judge can help reduce their impact by applying the law consistently, ensuring cases move forward efficiently, and treating all parties with respect.
