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