1. Who are you, and what are you running for?

My name is Fred Wilson.  I am a native Houstonian.  I am married to Cara Wilson and we are lucky enough to have one child, Charlie, who is six years old.  I am running for to be the Judge of the 313th District Court.

 

2. What kind of cases does this court hear?

The 313th is a Juvenile Court.  It handles cases involving children between the ages of 10 and 17 who have been charged with engaging in delinquent conduct.  The Court also handles cases involving the welfare of children where there are allegations of abuse or neglect.

 

3. Why are you running for this particular bench?

To me, a Juvenile Court such as the 313th is the most important bench in a community.  Each case brought before the Court has the potential to fundamentally change a life.  A slight or subtle change in the direction of a child’s life can drastically change his or her course and allow the child to become a contributing member of society as opposed to a burden.  I believe I have the judicial acumen and demeanor to accept this weighty responsibility.

 

4. What are your qualifications for this job?

I spent almost 6 years from 1994-1999 as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, spending a large part of that time in the 313th and other Juvenile Courts.

As a prosecutor, I handled serious cases including Attempted Murder, Indecency with a Child, and Aggravated Robbery.  Additionally, I spent a period of time in the Appellate and Post-Conviction-Writ sections of the office, guaranteeing that rightfully convicted and incarcerated criminals served the punishment imposed.

With respect to the Juvenile Courts, I served in every position from a junior prosecutor to Chief among the various Courts.  I handled every level of juvenile offense, including the certification of juveniles to be tried as adults.  During my time in the Juvenile Courts I took the opportunity to serve as a public speaker explaining the juvenile system.  Additionally, I prepared a handbook for use by all prosecutors serving in the juvenile courts.

After my tenure as an Assistant District Attorney, I remain an active trial lawyer defending a Fortune 500 company in myriad legal matters.  In this regard, I also regularly speak on the topic of ethics at industry legal conferences.

 

5. Why is this race important?

I believe the citizens of Harris County deserve to know that their Juvenile Courts provide open and fair representation, such that when a child and his family leave the courtroom they will know and accept that the verdict is just.

 

6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?

The 313th District Court demands a judge who recognizes the individuality of each child and treats him or her as an opportunity to be seized for the betterment of the individual.  I am that candidate.

 

7. Why did you choose to run in the Republican Primary versus the Democratic Primary?

I am running in the Republican Primary for one simple reason . . . I am a Republican.  This Party has long represented my values and focuses on the issues I believe to be important.  I take pride in stating that I am a Republican.

 

Website: fredforjudge.com

Twitter: Wilson313

1. Who are you, and what are you running for?

My name is Emily Muñoz. I am a dedicated mother and committed to family, faith, and protecting the freedom upon which this State and Country were founded. I am an attorney and sole proprietor who has dedicated her entire career to criminal justice. I’m board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law. I have served as a Harris County prosecutor, worked at the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest court in Texas for criminal justice, and now work in private practice.  I’m running for Judge of the 180th judicial district court of Harris County, Texas.

2. What kind of cases does this court hear?

The 180th District Court is a felony court that handles all felony cases ranging from state jail felonies to Capital Murder.  When dealing with that range of felonies, be they cases involving drugs, home invasions, robbery, sexual assault – to include that of a child, or murder, my mission is to make Harris County safe for its citizens, families, taxpayers, and property owners.

3. Why are you running for this particular bench?

The current Judge of the 180th district court will not be running for another term; therefore the bench is open.  I decided to run for the 180th court because I believe I have the necessary professional qualifications, moral character, and good common sense to serve our community and ensure justice and personal accountability in our courtrooms.  I believe I will have a positive and lasting impact on the administration of justice throughout Harris County.

4. What are your qualifications for this job?

I am the most well rounded candidate with the best credentials in this race because I have worked on all sides of the bench.  I’ve served the citizens as a prosecutor and a defender of the accused.  I hold a strong command of the law and because of my steadfast work ethic I enjoy an excellent reputation throughout Harris County and our State.

I have appellate experience in that I served as Briefing Attorney at Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin, the highest court in our State for criminal justice.

I am a former Harris County prosecutor hired by Johnny Holmes.  I prosecuted misdemeanors, juvenile offenders and major felonies. I served honorably and effectively as Chief Prosecutor of County Criminal Court at Law No. 4.

I have served as lead counsel in 60-80 jury trials in my almost 14 years as an attorney ranging from Class B misdemeanors to capital murder cases. I have also authored approximately 50 appellate briefs to various Courts of Appeals throughout the State of Texas.

I am a faculty member of the Criminal Trial College in Huntsville.  I have given a number of speeches at various Continuing Legal Education seminars throughout the State of Texas on a variety of issues in criminal law.

I have been named a Texas Super Lawyer-Rising Star by Texas Monthly Magazine for 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009 and was named one of the Best Lawyers in Houston, by H Texas Magazine, in 2004.

I was Board Certified in 2002, and I am the only candidate in this race who has earned the distinction of becoming Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Furthermore, I have proven my commitment to conservative values by being involved within our local Republican Party.

5. Why is this race important?

This race is important because the judge of a felony court is one of the most important public offices in our County.  A judge’s role is to be a servant of the community in the pivotal role of administering justice according to law.  It is a position that has a great impact on our daily lives.

It is important for citizens to understand that what happens in our criminal courthouse, especially in felony courts, affects the safety of our families and our children.

It is important to elect a Judge who has spent her career in the courtroom, day in and day out, not just as a prosecutor, but also as a person who has advocated on both sides of the bar.  I have prosecuted people and obtained stiff sentences for people who have committed serious crimes.  Likewise, I have defended people who were wrongfully accused and exonerated.

In the end, that is what our criminal justice system is about…convicting and punishing the guilty and acquitting the innocent.  I have had a part in doing both, and I am proud of my record.  That is why this race is important to the voters, citizens and families of this County because it is important that the most experienced and qualified person gets elected– I am that person.

6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?

As stated above, I am the only candidate in this race with experience as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. I am able to listen to both sides without prejudice and come to a fair conclusion.

Because of my experience, I am well versed in all areas of criminal law, and the public can have faith that the decisions I make will not be overturned on appeal, and our tax dollars will not be wasted having to re-try, re-prosecute or re-visit a case because of Judicial error.

As previously stated, I have stood before juries both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney.  I have handled all types of cases, ranging from class B misdemeanors to capital murder.

During the course of my practice, I have had the opportunity to visit many of our Texas prisons and been face-to-face with people society considers to be some of the most dangerous people in our State, so very little scares me.  I have seen almost every type of scenario possible in the courtroom, so very little surprises me.

7. Why did you choose to run in the Republican Primary versus the Democratic Primary?

I chose to run in the Republican primary because I am a Republican who believes in a minimal role of government.

I strongly believe in individual rights and freedoms and believe they should be fiercely protected.  That is something I strive to do every day.  I also believe in family values and that criminal laws need to be enforced and followed to ensure individual accountability.

I have been active with our local Harris County Republican Party.  I am a member of the Republican Leadership Council and Congressman Judge Ted Poe’s Military Service Academy Nominations Board.  I am a former Chairperson of the Harris County Republican Party’s Outreach Committee.  I was a Delegate “At-Large” at the Republican Party of Texas State Convention in 2004, and I fought for lower property taxes and less government spending with Paul Bettencourt and Bruce Hotze.

Therefore, I am running as a Republican because I am a Republican.

Website: emilymunozforjudge.com

Facebook:  Committee to Elect Emily Muñoz for District Court Judge

 

1. Who are you, and what are you running for?

My name is Sheri Y. Dean.  I am running for the 309th Family Judicial District Court in Harris County.

 

2. What kind of cases does this court hear?

This is a family law court. The 309th hears cases involving custody issues, with special attention paid to what is in the best interest of the child or children involved. It also hears cases regarding parental rights, possession and access to their children, and child support.  The Court has the jurisdiction to hear dissolution of marriage cases (Divorce), property division, and spousal maintenance (support) too.  The Judge has the power to enforce orders related to these matters by imposing a fine, or in some instances, imposing a sentence to jail for violations.

 

3. Why are you running for this particular bench?

Family Law is my Life’s Work!  Families Matter!  I intend to use my experience as a person, and as an attorney, to make competent and consistent decisions in accordance with the law.  My goal is to make sure that each person who comes to my court knows that I listened to their facts and circumstances, before I made a decision based on the law.  I will use my experience as a business person to enhance the efficiency of the Court, in order to cut down on long waits in the courtroom which will reduce the time and expense for everyone to conclude a case.  This particular bench is open since the presiding Judge is not running for re-election.

 

4. What are your qualifications for this job?

I have practiced as a Family Law attorney in my own law firm for 18 years.  I have experience in all nine of the Family Courts in Harris County.  I have represented hundreds of Families and Children in all types of cases, with issues ranging from the simplest to the most complex. I have appeared as a Visiting Associate Judge upon request by the Courts.

I will use my Business Degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Business Administration, as well as my extensive education and experience in Family Law, to run an efficient and equitable court for the public.

Please refer to my website for comprehensive information regarding my qualifications and personal history at www.Dean4Judge.com.

 

5. Why is this race important?

All races regarding Courts are important.  We need Judges that will strictly construe the law as it is written and uphold the Constitution.  Family issues are at stake in this Court.  This race is important, because we need a Judge that will listen to persons who seek Court intervention, and then make decisions based on the law.  Decisions by this Court on issues such as parental rights, best interests of the children, support, property rights, and enforcement of Court orders, touch on each person’s basic rights and liberty.  The voter’s decision on who will be the judge of this court can affect the lives of families for years to come.

 

6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?

I have the broadest experience as a Family Law Attorney. I respect the law. My personal background, education, work history, and experience reflect my work ethic and personal commitment to all challenges.  My blend of those qualities and commitment are the reasons why people should vote for me in the Primary!

 

7. Why did you choose to run in the Republican Primary versus the Democratic Primary?

I was born in Texas to a family of dedicated Republicans. My grandfather once ran for the Senate as a Republican before I was born. I grew up with traditional conservative values that can be seen in the way I live my life.

As a lifelong Republican, I have been a member of many Republican groups including the Harris County Republican Leadership Council, the Republican National Committee, Daughters of Liberty, Texas Tea Party RWC, Bay Area Republican Women, Ronald Regan RWC, Kingwood RWC, and many other worthwhile organizations too numerous to name here although equally as important.

Due to my active participation in the Republican Party I understand and adhere to the Party Platform and respect its principles. I have been blessed by a tremendous showing of support from the Republican Party, friends, family, and colleagues for many years.

I have Never voted in a Democrat Primary!

 

Website: Dean4Judge.com

Facebook: Sheri Y. Dean

 

1. Who are you, and what are you running for?

Marc Brown.  I am running for Judge of the 180th Criminal District Court.

 

2. What kind of cases does this court hear?

Felony Cases

 

3. Why are you running for this particular bench?

The Sitting Judge is retiring.  We lost several good Judges in the last election. We cannot have anymore unqualified Judges on these important benches.

 

4. What are your qualifications for this job?

22 year career prosecutor.  Former Texas Prosecutor of the Year.  Past instructor Texas Center for The Judiciary.  Over 100 first chair Felony jury trials.  Only candidate to have tried death penalty cases.

 

5. Why is this race important?

Criminal Courts affect most of us more than any other Judicial race.  People need qualified experienced Judges to protect society.

 

6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?

I am the MOST qualified candidate in the race with the most experience.

 

7. Why did you choose to run in the Republican Primary versus the Democratic Primary?

I have worked to elect qualified Republican judicial candidates since 1992.  My loyalties are with the Republican party.

 

Website: electmarcbrown.com

 

1. Who are you, and what are you running for?

Cary Hart and I am running for Judge of County Criminal Court-at-Law #3.

 

2. What kind of cases does this court hear?

This court hears Class A and B misdemeanors and Class C appeals.  Class A and B misdemeanors include such offenses as driving while intoxicated, assault, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, harassment, terroristic threat, theft cases under fifteen hundred dollars (1500.00), graffiti, and animal cruelty cases just to name a few.

 

3. Why are you running for this particular bench?

I am running for this bench because the previous judge was convicted of a crime which arose from his position as the Judge of the court.  This court experienced a moral blow with the judges conviction. This court, our judicial system and our Republican Party needs a representative exhibiting the utmost integrity, high ethical standards and sheer commitment to honest and impartial justice. I have made a legal career based on these principles and I will lead this court with those same principles magnified.

 

4. What are your qualifications for this job?

While in law school I began an internship with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.  Upon passing the bar exam I began working as an Assistant District Attorney under Johnny Holmes.  I was assigned to misdemeanor and felony courts, the Child Abuse Division, Juvenile Courts Division, Major Fraud Division, and the Asset Forfeiture Division.  I tried over fifty jury trials from Class C traffic tickets to murders.  While at the District Attorney’s Office I received an award from the Recording Industry Association of America in appreciation of my efforts to combat sound recording piracy and protect the creative rights of record companies, artists, musicians and composers.  I spoke to each branch of the Harris County Medical Society regarding employee theft and spoke to members of the Houston Bar Association regarding identity theft.  I left the District Attorney’s Office after almost 11 years and went into private practice.  I have been in private practice since June of 2008 and also work as a Prosecutor for the City of Humble.

 

5. Why is this race important?

This race is important  because the Republican Party and the citizens of Harris County deserve to have the most qualified person for the job on the ballot in the general election.

 

6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?

Because I am the most qualified candidate on the ballot for Judge of County Criminal Court-at-Law #3.  I have been out of law school for almost thirteen (13) years and all of those years have been spent in the Criminal Courthouse.  I believe my deep-rooted experience handling a variety of criminal cases and diverse range of courtoom situations, managing the daily challenges of a vigorous legal career and maintaining a high ethical standard and level of integrity make me uniquely qualified to be judge of County Criminal Court-at-Law #3.

 

7. Why did you choose to run in the Republican Primary versus the Democratic Primary?

Because I am a Republican and always have been.  I voted in the Republican Primary in the 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008 election years.

 

Website: caryhartforjudge.com

Facebook: Cary Hart for Judge

Twitter: CaryforJudge