Criminal District Judge, 184th Judicial District
Katherine ‘Kat’ Thomas
Democrat
Accountability
What will you do to promote the just, prompt, and affordable resolution of cases that come before your court?
As presiding Judge of the 184th District Court, I’ve already put this commitment into practice by significantly reducing the court’s case backlog by 62 % and I’ll continue building on that foundation in several ways. I actively manage my docket rather than letting cases languish, using consistent scheduling practices and firm trial settings to keep cases moving toward resolution without sacrificing fairness to either side. I utilize smart diversion where appropriate. Through the Emerging Adult Docket that I piloted in 2025, I connect eligible young, non-violent offenders (ages 18–25) with job training, education, mental health services, and mentorship as alternatives to incarceration.
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.
Texas law provides a clear framework for setting bail which include balancing public safety concerns, the nature of the offense, evidence of flight, criminal history and the defendant’s ability to pay. I apply an individualized, case by case assessment that honors the aforementioned factors. For first time, non- violent offenders, I look closely at ties to the community, employment, and the nature of the alleged offense. These factors speak to both flight risk and public safety, and I favor conditions of release that keep defendants working while their case proceeds. For repeat offenders, I weigh whether there is a history of noncompliance, missed court dates, violations of bond conditions and set higher bail amounts with GPS devices.
