Accountability
What will you do to promote the just, prompt, and affordable resolution of cases that come before your court?
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.”
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.
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.
