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.
I am committed to administering justice fairly, efficiently, and impartially. Delay in a felony court is measured in jobs lost, memories faded, and time spent in jail awaiting trial. Victims and their families deserve resolution, not repeated resets. I will actively manage my docket by holding firm trial settings, insisting on timely Article 39.14 discovery so cases are not reset over evidence that should already have been disclosed, issuing prompt rulings, and communicating clearly with counsel. Efficiency must never come at the expense of due process or a party's right to be heard. Every case deserves individualized consideration, and every decision will rest on the facts, the law, and the Texas and United States Constitutions.
I will make individualized bail decisions consistent with the Texas Constitution and Articles 17.15, 17.022, and 17.028 — never a fixed schedule. After reviewing the public safety report, I will weigh the nature of the offense, criminal history, risk of flight, community ties, ability to make bail, and the safety of victims, law enforcement, and the public, imposing the least restrictive conditions that reasonably ensure appearance and safety. Bail must be sufficient, but never an instrument of oppression. For first-time offenders, conditions of release may well suffice. Repeat offenders, bond violators, and those posing a significant public safety risk may warrant restrictive conditions, higher bond, or denial where the law allows.
Currently, as Presiding Judge, I promote efficiency by having both prosecutors and defense counsel approach each setting to keep cases moving forward. Regardless of time limits, once all evidence is in, the case is set for a disposition setting to decide either trial, dismissal, or plea. As a judge, I keep both sides moving in the direction of one of these three options to resolve each case as soon as possible without forcing the defense to plea or forcing the prosecutors to dismiss. This promotes expediency and cost effectiveness without jeopardizing fairness or justice. As I always say, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Unlike my opponent, former (D) Judge Ramona Franklin, who used bonds punitively, I strive for fairness, transparency, and equality. Bond is not about guilt or innocence, it is about safety for the community/witnesses, appearance in court, bond conditions, criminal history, and the seriousness of offense.
First-time offenders and repeat offenders are treated the equally, fairly, and without bias.
For example, for a first-time offender and repeat offender, I apply the same standards when setting bonds. Everybody is treated equally and fairly. For example, I may have a first-time offender that committed capital murder. The bond could be set at no bond; whereas, a homeless repeat offender charged with PCS, less a than gram, may get a PR bond.
