Accountability
What will you do to promote the just, prompt, and affordable resolution of cases that come before your court?
I will work to resolve cases fairly, promptly, and without unnecessary expense by setting clear expectations, addressing issues early, and holding the parties accountable for being prepared. But speed and efficiency are only worthwhile if they take us where we need to go, a fair and just result. Moving a docket quickly should never come at the expense of due process or thoughtful decision making. I will use court time and resources wisely, avoid unnecessary delays and appearances, and treat everyone who comes before me with dignity and respect. My goal is simple: move cases forward with purpose, while never losing sight of the fact that getting it right matters more than getting it done quickly.
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 bail, I will follow the Texas Constitution and the law while considering the individual circumstances of each case. Bail should never be punitive, but public safety cannot be ignored. For first time offenders, I will consider the charge, ties to the community, likelihood of appearing, and specific safety concerns. For repeat offenders, I will also consider criminal history, prior compliance with bond conditions, and demonstrated risk to the community. Above all, judges must remain impartial. Bail decisions should be based on the law and facts, not politics or media attention. Each decision must protect the presumption of innocence while ensuring public safety and the defendant’s appearance.
