Accountability
What will you do to promote the just, prompt, and affordable resolution of cases that come before your court?
I think it starts with the top; requires a Judge who shows up everyday on time ready to work. The Judge sets the example and if you want the attorneys to be prompt and efficient then the Judge must be. I think that the best way to encourage prompt justice from attorneys is to have a clear set of standards when it comes what needs to be done by each setting so both sides know what is expected of them. To have a just court the Judge needs to listen. No two cases are the same and a Judge needs to hear both sides and determine what is just outcome. For affordability, a Judge needs to not let cases linger. The longer they linger the more they cost. The Judge needs to stay on top of all cases to ensure everyone is working towards a resolution.
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.
I would look at the guidelines and consider them all when making a decision. I would consider whether someone has a history of bond forfeitures and whether someone has a history of picking up new cases while on bond. Someone’s ability to follow the rules of the court is important when setting a bond. Repeat offenders could have higher bonds as they have shown they didn’t learn from the first time. Safety of the victims/future possible victims is very important. No crime victim should feel unsafe after coming forward. If an offender being out/having a lower bond puts anyone at risk then the court needs to set an appropriate bond to ensure their safety. Violent offenders should have higher bonds as they pose the greatest risk to their victims
