VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am qualified to serve as Judge of the 183rd Criminal District Court based on extensive courtroom and judicial experience. I have practiced criminal law for over 18 years as a criminal defense attorney and have eight years of judicial experience on the district court bench. I have litigated over 2,000 criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to complex felony matters, including serious violent offenses. I also handled criminal appeals before the Court of Appeals. As a judge, I have presided over jury trials, ruled on complex legal issues, and managed high-volume dockets with fairness and efficiency. This experience enables me to apply the law impartially, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the fair administration of justice.

The two most pressing issues facing the 183rd Criminal District Court are managing a high-volume docket and ensuring fairness and due process for all parties. Heavy caseloads can lead to unnecessary delays that affect victims, defendants, and public safety. I will address this through firm but fair docket management, early case evaluation, consistent scheduling, and encouraging timely resolution of cases without sacrificing defendants’ constitutional rights. Equally important is ensuring equal access to justice. I will maintain a courtroom that is respectful, accessible, and transparent, ensure appointed counsel are available when required, and apply the law consistently so that every litigant is treated with dignity and fairness.

I am a dedicated public servant and career-long criminal lawyer. I served as a prosecutor for nearly a decade and have practiced defense for more than six years, both in private practice and now as a public defender. I have completed more than 70 criminal jury trials, and have litigated hundreds of pre-trial, discovery, and post-trial issues. Over the past four years I have work as an Assistant Chief in the Bail Division and as a Senior Litigator in the Mental Health Division. This most recent work with the Public Defender's Office has exposed me to the inner workings of the jail and our mental health system in Harris County in a way that has far better prepared me to effectively serve our community as a criminal District Court judge.

The most pressing issues for the 183rd District Court are the backlog of cases and ensuring community safety while upholding the dictates of our Constitution. I will strictly adhere to our Constitution and run an efficient docket with dignity and respect for all who come in contact with the court. If elected I will work weekend shifts to ensure all defendants in my court have a bail set within 48 hours of arrest. I will also institute a standing discovery order to ensure evidence is presented to the District Attorney's Office and defense in a timely manner consistent with the dictates of Due Process. I want both the accused and victims to know they can count on the fair and timely resolution of their case in the 183rd District Court.