VOTE411 Voter Guide

I run one of the most efficient criminal district courts in Harris County. I have the third lowest number of total cases of the 29 criminal district courts. This is because I know what cases are assigned to my court and I keep up with each case at each docket setting to see what discovery has been accomplished, including contact with Complainants. Once this is done, if a plea bargain cannot be accomplished, cases are set for trial 30 days later, provided both sides are available. Cases don’t get better with time.

As soon as a defendant appears before me, I read them their constitutional rights and have the prosecutor read the probable cause for that person’s charged offense. I then ask for their prior criminal history, if any. I then ask if the Complainant(s) has been contacted and what they have to say regarding their safety concerns, restitution, and punishment. I take everything into consideration. Capital murders are denied bond until a hearing. Cases involving domestic violence and aggravated cases involving weapons are likely to have higher bonds depending on the allegations, criminal history, and Complainant/community safety. In cases of low level property crimes or drug offenses, I’m open to personal bonds, but on a case by case basis

I will institute a standing discovery order to ensure the right to speedy trial is honored and that evidence is timely shared. I will also have shorter court reset periods for lower-level, less complicated matters .

I will set bail amounts in accordance with the dictates of both the United States and Texas Constitutions. Higher bonds are warranted in cases where a defendant possess a danger to a particular witness or to the community in general. For cases in which community safety can be properly guarded with bond conditions in lieu of higher bond amounts, those alternatives will be considered as required by our constitutions.