Criminal District Court Judge, District 209
District courts are trial courts of general jurisdiction of Texas. They have original jurisdiction in felony criminal cases, divorce cases, cases involving title to land, election contest cases, civil matters in which the amount of money or damages involved is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not placed in another trial court. The courts may specialize in civil, criminal, juvenile, or family law matters. Four-year term.
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Tony Coveny
(Rep)
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Brian Edward Warren
(Dem)
What will you do to promote the just, prompt, and affordable resolution of cases that come before your court?
In setting bail amounts, how will you balance Texas's constitutionally mandated bail requirements with other conditions of release including minimizing any public safety threat the defendant may present to the community? Please discuss both first time and repeat offenders.
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Just, prompt, affordable case resolution has guided my seven years as judge of the 209th District Court. I run an efficient docket, one of the lowest in Harris County in 15 years, using firm scheduling that cuts costly delays for taxpayers, victims, and defendants alike.
I set individualized bail based on ability to pay and actual risk, keeping low-risk defendants working instead of sitting in costly detention. I joined the O'Donnell lawsuit to fight unconstitutional cash bail.
I fully use the Public Defender's Office and hold appointed attorneys to one standard: I wouldn't appoint anyone I wouldn't want representing my own family.
My seven-year record of zero reversals proves efficiency and fairness are the same goal.
There are some judges who make headlines for their bond decisions. I am not one of them. Judges aren't given a crystal ball or a fancy test that predicts who will be a danger to the community. That's where a quarter century of practicing criminal law becomes essential. Judges are constantly making these calls, often with imperfect information and real consequences either way. My experience with the O'Donnell bail lawsuit deepened my understanding of how to weigh risk fairly, without relying on wealth as a substitute for judgment. Texas law requires bail that isn't excessive while considering the offense, ability to pay, criminal history, and public safety.
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