1. Who are you and what are you running for?
My name is Susan Brown and I am the Judge of the 185th District Court.
2. What kind of cases does this Court hear?
The 185th is a Criminal District Court. I preside over all levels of felony cases from Capital Murder to drug possession, theft cases over 1,500 dollars, all types of child abuse cases and most assault cases.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running for the 185th because I have been the elected Judge in this court for the last twelve years. I have the judicial experience to keep the 185th running in the fair and efficient manner that parties have come to expect since I took the bench.
4. What are your qualifications?
I am a graduate of Texas A&M University Class of ’82 with a degree in Elementary Education.
I graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1985 and have been a licensed attorney since that time. During law school I was employed as an intern with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office assigned to the Grand Jury Division. Following my graduation from law school I was employed as an Assistant District Attorney in the Collin County District Attorney’s Office where I handled both felony and misdemeanor cases. In 1988 I was hired by John B. Holmes Jr. as an Assistant District Attorney in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. I served in that capacity reaching the rank of District Court Chief until July 1997. As an Assistant District Attorney I tried many serious cases including five capital murders. In 1999 I became the Judge of the 185th District Court. I have spent my entire legal career in the practice of criminal law.
5. Why is this race important?
I believe it is important to have judges who know the law and who will follow the law. In the last several years we have seen what happens when judges refuse to follow the law or who follow their own agendas. My race is also important because continuity is important. All parties involved in a criminal case deserve to have their case heard in an efficient timely manner. When a new judge takes the bench there is a steep learning curve and cases become backlogged due to lack of experience. Justice delayed means Justice denied.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I am an efficient and hard working judge. Since my election to the bench in 1999 I have disposed of over 60,000 cases. I have presided over more than 300 jury trials. In the last several years I have tried more cases than any other criminal district judge. Due to my hard work I have one of the lowest dockets of the criminal district courts. I am also involved in several innovative sentencing options for women and young offenders. Women Helping Ourselves and Change Thorough Intervention. As was one of the original stakeholders in the WHO Program, a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program that includes life skills, parenting and employment preparation our goal is to address the problems that cause woman to become involved in the criminal justice system and prepare them to return to our community as productive citizens. My CTI docket is a hands on approach to working with probations to keep them from re-offending or being sent to prison for failure to meet the conditions of their probation. This intensive program provides substance abuse, if necessary, job training and life skills and constant contact with the court and the probation department.
Due to my extensive judicial experience, my work ethic and my ability to find innovative solutions to situations that come before me. I am the most qualified person in this race.
There is an old saying that if something is not broken you don’t need to fix it. The 185th is an efficient hardworking court. I am a Judge who follows the law and works to keep our community safe. I ask for your vote on November 2nd.