Criminal District Court Judge, District 230
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.
Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.
-
Megan Long
(Rep)
-
Chris Morton
(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.
I think it starts with the top; requires a Judge who shows up everyday on time ready to work. The Judge sets the example and if you want the attorneys to be prompt and efficient then the Judge must be. I think that the best way to encourage prompt justice from attorneys is to have a clear set of standards when it comes what needs to be done by each setting so both sides know what is expected of them. To have a just court the Judge needs to listen. No two cases are the same and a Judge needs to hear both sides and determine what is just outcome. For affordability, a Judge needs to not let cases linger. The longer they linger the more they cost. The Judge needs to stay on top of all cases to ensure everyone is working towards a resolution.
I would look at the guidelines and consider them all when making a decision. I would consider whether someone has a history of bond forfeitures and whether someone has a history of picking up new cases while on bond. Someone’s ability to follow the rules of the court is important when setting a bond. Repeat offenders could have higher bonds as they have shown they didn’t learn from the first time. Safety of the victims/future possible victims is very important. No crime victim should feel unsafe after coming forward. If an offender being out/having a lower bond puts anyone at risk then the court needs to set an appropriate bond to ensure their safety. Violent offenders should have higher bonds as they pose the greatest risk to their victims
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
To make a selection for a candidate you must first find your races. Would you like to find your races now?
You have already selected the maximum number of candidates for this race.
You must uncheck an existing selection before making another selection.