Bexar District Court 436th Juvenile District Court
4-year term. Juvenile courts are criminal courts that hear mostly juvenile delinquency cases, which deal with conduct that would be criminal if committed by adults but are dealt with differently for people under age 17. They also hear criminal cases of juveniles who have been charged as adults.
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William "Cruz" Shaw
(Dem)
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Raymond A. Villareal
(Dem)
Qualifications: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Priorities: What do you see as the most serious problem affecting juveniles in today’s society?
Adult Trials: In what circumstance should a juvenile be tried as an adult?
Funding: Do you think the State Legislature should provide additional funds to local governments for intervention programs, such as mental health intervention for youth? Explain.
I was raised by a single mother in the south side of Houston. I went to public school my entire life. I received my undergrad degree from UTSA in juvenile corrections. I worked for a juvenile probation. I worked for Juv Probation, TYC, as well as placement facilities in Bexar County. Once becoming an attorney, I practiced Juvenile and criminal law. I was elected to city council for district 2 then an Associate Judge in Juvenile and elected to my first term as a juvenile District Court judge.
Some of the biggest issues I see in our courts are mental health, access to weapons, impulsivity amongst kids, and lack of resources in our communities for our families
Legally, the only way we can certify a juvenile to be tired as adult is the state has to meet a certain burden for more severe cases which would be a first degree or a second-degree felony as well as the age requirement.
We could always use more funding to support mental health issues for our youth and our families.
I have practiced law for over 30 years. My experience has included: Assistant Attorney General for the Office of the Attorney General of Texas; Staff Attorney for the Fifth District Court of Appeals; Legal Counsel for the Texas Workforce Commission.
I have also practiced criminal law and have had numerous jury trials. I ahem also extensively practiced juvenile law.
The first priority should always be protecting the community. There has been an increase in juvenile crime across the country and steps should be taken to safeguard citizens. The high rate of recidivism is also an issue that should be addressed.
I believe that a judge should consider the severity of the offense and the offender's criminal history. I don't believe it should be limited to only violent offenses. Certain drug offenses should also be considered.
If appropriate, yes.
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