Criminal District Judge, 180th Judicial District
Stephanie Morales
Democrat
Accountability
What will you do to promote the just, prompt, and affordable resolution of cases that come before your court?
I will have clear expectations of timelines so both prosecutors and defense attorneys know what is expected of them in terms of time to gather and review evidence and being prepared for trial. One of the things that would increase efficiency is to not require defendants at every court setting. Defense attorneys can take their time working oncases each day without having to rush court to court so their clients can leave the courthouse and go back to work. Prosecutors can gather the evidence they need for their cases without feeling rushed by defense attorneys. I will also ensure that cases go to trial without delay.
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.
For both first time and repeat offenders I will follow Texas’s constitutionally mandated bail requirements. For offenders who may be a public safety risk, there are ways to minimize this risk such as using Guardian Interlock machines on DWIs, ankle monitors to impose curfews or exclusion zones as well as other bond conditions such as drug and alcohol testing. I will also follow the law, and will hold hearings in accordance with what the parties file regarding bail.
