Accountability
What will you do to promote the just, prompt, and affordable resolution of cases that come before your court?
In my first term, I presided over 65 jury trials and reduced the docket caseload in the 185th from approximately 1900 cases to 520 cases, ensuring that the backlog no longer exists. This ensures that cases can be reached with efficiency and treated with the attention they deserve. I will continue this momentum into the next term.
Bail
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.
In setting bond, I weigh the safety of the victim and the community, the seriousness of the allegations of the offense, the Defendant’s ties to the community, the Defendant’s ability to make bond, and the ability to ensure the Defendant’s appearance in court. For those who are first time offenders and are before the court on a non-violent offense, I consider whether a personal recognizance bond is appropriate. For those who are repeat violent offenders, I set a bail amount that is appropriate based on the factors listed in TCCP 17.15 . The Texas Constitution does not allow for a denial of bond unless the prosecutor asks for a hearing. When a hearing is held, I follow the law and deny bail when the prosecutor can meet his or her burden.
