Backlog
How will you address the case backlog in your court to ensure timely resolution for all parties?
Community members, including those accused, complainants, family members, and friends, have their lives impacted when criminal cases are open. Court 8 has implemented a scheduling order to ensure that cases are resolved timely so that they may return to their lives. In my first year serving as Judge of Criminal Court No. 8, we worked our docket so that the majority of cases were resovled UNDER six months. In my second year as Judge, we had the most jury trials of all the 16 misdemeanor courts. As a trial heavy court, all parties are aware that their cases are expected to move forward without undue delay. If re-elected, I promise to continue best practices so that our community members can resolve their issues timely.
Efficiency/accessibility
How will you ensure efficient and equitable resolution of matters that come before your court, and that all residents — regardless of their financial means — have meaningful access to legal resources?
When first running for Judge of Harris County Criminal Court No. 8, I knew that the Judge sets the tone for the courtroom, and my goal was to ensure that all parties to the legal process were respected and recieved a fair application in the law. The misdemeanor Judges of Harris County have made great progress in approving the Managed Assigned Counsel System (MAC), which provides more diverse representation for indigent defense. Previously, Judges could chose whom they appointed to the case. With this new system, it allows a more equitable distribution system to provide legal representation as well as provide holistic services and resources, in hopes that those charged do not return to the criminal justice system.
