Texas A&M University - College Station: 1993-1995.
University of Memphis: Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy, 1998.
Texas Wesleyan University (now Texas A&M) School of Law: J.D., 2002
Over a 20-year period, I have worked both as a Chief Prosecutor and as a criminal defense attorney, with an emphasis on misdemeanor offenses, specifically with DWI cases. CCC9 is a misdemeanor court, and DWI offenses are the most-litigated cases in a misdemeanor court. Additionally, I have served as the Presiding Judge of CCC9 for the past 4 years, managing the docket efficiently and effectively, while trying a high number of cases to juries. My experience is most tailored for this position.
Effective access to justice means that every person can obtain a fair, timely, and affordable resolution to a legal problem, regardless of their status or identity.
Tarrant County provides legal assistance to the economically disadvantaged through the appointment of counsel based on poverty guidelines, provides counseling and supportive guidance for those with mental health challenges, and has open courtrooms where elected judges are available to assist an individual who needs legal help.
Cases must move through the system at a pace allowing the matter is handled promptly, but still allows the parties the opportunity to review the evidence and have meaningful discussions about how to best resolve the case. All stakeholders in a criminal case deserve swift justice.
Docket management in CCC9 provides a structure that gets cases resolved efficiently, with a high volume of jury trials.
Assisting other courts with their dockets helps alleviate their caseload.
Judges are bound by the law, and take an oath to follow the law. Everything that happens inside a courtroom is governed by the rules of evidence and procedure, plus statutory law & caselaw. Judges serve the community and the legal profession by applying the law equally to everyone, regardless of whether their campaigns are funded by participants in the justice system. Impartiality is self-imposed, but it can also be observed by the participants in the system. Everyone wants impartial judges!
The largest mental health provider in the County is the Tarrant County Jail. There are offenders who have biological or substance-based mental health crises, commonly charged with trespassing or assaultive offenses. There are options for those individuals to receive treatment in restorative care or in a diversion center. There’s a balance between treatment and accountability. It would take a policymaking efforts at the county level to provide additional services to those misdemeanor offenders.
Campaign Phone
8178747040
Occupation
Attorney
Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, Northeast Louisiana University 12/85; Juris Doctorate Texas Wesleyan School of Law (Texas A&M) 12/97
My experiences as a police officer, prosecutor, and defense attorney have equipped me with a solid foundation for a well-informed, empathetic, and fair judicial approach. This background has given me a deep understanding of the law and its processes while instilling in me a strong commitment to justice. I believe these qualities are essential for a successful judge, and I am dedicated to serving our community with integrity and impartiality.
I plan to engage communities by being present, accessible, and intentional in building trust beyond the courtroom. Too often, people feel disconnected from the justice system until they are directly impacted by it. I believe that must change.
I will continue hosting community conversations—like Docket Dialogues—creating spaces where people can speak openly about their concerns, experiences, and expectations of the court. Listening is the first step to meaningful engagement.
Reducing the backlog of cases and enhancing the efficiency of courts is a multifaceted challenge that requires strategic planning and implementation. 1) Prioritization: Implement systems to prioritize cases based on urgency and complexity, ensuring that critical cases are addressed promptly. 2) Simplify Processes: Review and revise court rules to eliminate unnecessary steps or redundancies that prolong cases.
1) No Ex Parte Communications: I will firmly prohibit any private communications with parties involved in cases, ensuring that all discussions occur in open court. 2) There will be consistent criteria for case evaluation and decisions, ensuring that all cases receive equal consideration regardless of external influences. 3) Avoiding Favoritism: I will actively remind myself to treat all parties equitably, regardless of their financial contributions or personal relationships.
Inexperience is a pressing issue. As Judge, I would like an atmosphere where prosecutors feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification during proceedings, promoting learning and building confidence. As judge, I will offer timely feedback after hearings, highlighting areas for improvement while acknowledging their successes. Finally, I will advocate for mentorship programs that connect inexperienced prosecutors with seasoned colleagues.
