(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for Democratic judicial candidates on the November ballot. This is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates.)
Randy Roll
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
I am former District Judge Randy Roll.
I am the Democratic candidate for the 180th Criminal District Court.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
4 types of felonies. 1st degree felony punishable from 5 to 99 yrs in TDC, 2nd degree felony punishable from 2 to 20 years in TDC, 3rd degree felony punishable from 2 to 10 years in TDC & State Jail felony punishable from 6 months to 24 months in the State Jail Facility.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I want to give everyone who comes before this bench an equal chance. Undocumented aliens who have permanent contacts with this county and are deserving of probation should not be denied that opportunity. I will try to stop the cronyism between judges and appointed defense attorneys.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
As a former judge, I inherited the worst and highest docket of the 22 different courts. 4 years later I left that court with the 4th best docket. I reduced the wait for a trial from years to 3 months. As an attorney and judge I have handled more than 10,000 felony cases and 100 jury trials. I speak Spanish, Russian, French and German. In 4 years on the bench, I took only 8 days vacation. I was the 1st judge to require experience & competence for attorneys appointed in DNA cases for indigent defendants, which I proposed to the other 21 judges and they adopted my proposal. No trial in my court (179th) was ever reversed by the Appellate Courts.
5. Why is this race important?
Presently, 19 of the 22 felony judges are Republican. We need more diversity on the bench.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I have a track record of innovation, hard work and competence. I will work diligently and wisely and I ask for your support.
I voted for his sister. Her name is Roxie Roll, JD, MBA, CPA for district judge in Fort Bend.
Clarification, please. Where all are you registered for this election?