Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
ISSUES: What are the two (2) most pressing issues that you will face in the office that you seek? Describe your specific plans/ideas for addressing these issues.
Tonya Jones
Prior to being elected to serve as judge I worked as a criminal defense attorney. This service began as a when I obtained my third year bar card and worked in the criminal law clinic at Southern University Law Center and continued at the Travis County Juvenile Public Defenders Office. Prior to starting my own practice I worked as an associate attorney for four years in a criminal defense practice. I also bring a wealth of lived experiences that give me a unique and invaluable perspective in my current role. This perspective grounds me, gives me purpose, and grants me the temperament and wisdom necessary to administer justice. Those who appear before me can trust that fairness and equity are a top priority.
The most pressing issues for me include: the creation and implementation of a misdemeanor mental health court and the expansion of Fresh Start and similar programs.
This is done by bringing justice stakeholders together with access to resources to aid these populations. Judges must engage with community to foster trust and critical understanding. We can't incarcerate ourselves out of addressing the critical need for additional mental health resources at the misdemeanor level.
Petitions for non-disclosure and expunctions are life changing for those who are eligible (and their families). When we mitigate and/or eliminate these barriers to success for the justice-involved, we create strong and safe communities for all of us.
This is done by bringing justice stakeholders together with access to resources to aid these populations. Judges must engage with community to foster trust and critical understanding. We can't incarcerate ourselves out of addressing the critical need for additional mental health resources at the misdemeanor level.
Petitions for non-disclosure and expunctions are life changing for those who are eligible (and their families). When we mitigate and/or eliminate these barriers to success for the justice-involved, we create strong and safe communities for all of us.
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