(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. This is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote in March. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. You can see other Q&As and further information about judicial candidates on my 2018 Judicial page.
Harold Landreneau
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
My name is Harold J. Landreneau and I am a Democratic Defense Attorney running for Harris County Criminal Court At Law #2.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
This Court deals with Class A & B Misdemeanors: misdemeanor drug possession,assault, prostitution, driving while intoxicated cases and Appeals of Class C cases from Municipal and Justice Court.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
The current incumbent judge is known for siding with the prosecution and having a backlog in court, but most importantly he is known for not being fair and impartial. I will start Court early each day, follow the law and be fair and impartial in Court. I will treat people with dignity and respect and I will not act as another Prosecutor on the bench.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have been licensed to practice Law in the State of Texas for 12 years and I have practiced Criminal Law for 10 years. I earned my B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston and my J.D. Law Degree from South Texas College of Law Houston. I regularly practice Law in the Harris County Criminal Courts. I have tried more than 400 criminal jury trials and have been elected twice to the Harris County Bail Bond Board by the defense attorneys of Harris County to represent their bonding interests. Before becoming an attorney I served as a Harris County JP Clerk for over 14 years. For 8 of those years I served as the Chief Clerk of one of the largest JP Courts in the State of Texas, supervising 26 staff, submitting and maintaining an annual budget of $1.5 million, supervising the collection of $3.4 million a year in County funds and the filing of 60k+ cases a year; I have the experience necessary to hit the ground running in this Court on day one.
5. Why is this race important?
If you are arrested on a misdemeanor charge, you are more likely to appear before a County Criminal Court Judge than any other. You want a Judge on the bench who can be fair and impartial and follow the law. Their decisions will determine if you go to jail, go free and/or if you qualify to receive free legal help. The Judge will also decide if you lack the financial resources to bond out of jail and if you are able to obtain a PR bond to be released.
6. Why should people vote for you in the March primary?
I will work hard for the people of Harris County each day, return Justice and fairness back to County Criminal Court at Law #2. I will follow the law, eliminate the backlog, allow diversion programs in my Court and work with everyone to settle some of these cases We will go to trial on the rest of them if necessary.