(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. There are a lot of judicial races on the ballot in Harris County this election, and so 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. I will also be conducting some in-person interviews of candidates who will be involved in contested primaries for non-judicial offices. Please see my 2010 Election page for a full list of Q&As and interviews.)
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
I am Jim Sullivan and I am running for the 248th (Criminal) District Court. I was named after my late grandfather James Gary, a Baptist preacher who founded several churches in east Tennessee. I attended Baylor University because it is a Christian university. I am Catholic and I live my Christian faith by representing the poor in criminal and juvenile court. I have represented the poor in my legal practice for over 15 years. I also speak Spanish. I met my beautiful wife Araceli Moreno Ponce while living in Mexico in 1990, and we have been married for 19 years. Araceli serves the Latin community by interpreting in juvenile court for Spanish-speaking juveniles, their parents and/or witnesses. We worship at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
All felony level cases filed in state court against defendants (age 17 and older) and against juveniles who were certified in juvenile court to be charged as an adult and whose case was then transferred to adult court. These felony cases range from state jail felony level cases (such as drug possession) to capital murder.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I intend to improve the representation of the poor in court, to alleviate jail overcrowding by granting personal bonds to most first-time non-violent offenders and to get more addicts into treatment rather than prison. In 2007, Harris county only granted a personal bond in 2.2% of felony cases. The incumbent in this court has not addressed these issues. The poor deserve better. The people of Harris county deserve better.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have been a trial lawyer for 15 years in criminal and juvenile court, primarily representing the poor in criminal district and juvenile district courts.
I speak Spanish.
I am board certified in juvenile law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
I have extensive trial experience, having defended a broad range of criminal cases from misdemeanors such as DWI and shoplifting to serious felony cases such as aggravated robbery, sexual assault and murder.
5. Why is this race important?
This race, along with the races for all the criminal and juvenile courts, can have a cumulative positive impact for criminal and juvenile justice in Harris county for many years to come. Overall, these races can positively impact jail overcrowding, representation of the poor and increase drug treatment for addicts.
As judge, I will reduce jail overcrowding by granting personal bonds on most first-time non-violent offenders and set lower bonds on appropriate cases. Not only will this save taxpayers’ money by eliminating the need for a new jail, it will also allow the accused to work to support his family and perhaps to hire his own attorney.
I support the creation of a public defenders office for the representation of all the poor and indigent. Until that happens, I will appoint attorneys who demonstrate that they will work hard to represent their indigent clients well, as I have done for the past 15 years.
I will also strive to get more addicts into treatment rather than prison. Drug treatment and supervised probation costs a fraction of what it costs to warehouse drug addicts in prison. In addition, by working to support their families, communities are strengthened and families are more likely to succeed.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
I became a lawyer to serve and represent the poor, not to enrich myself by representing the wealthy. I am Christian and I live my faith by representing the poor. I am running for judge because I can positively impact more people as a judge than as a defense attorney. Indeed, I will work to make positive changes to the local justice system as outlined above and will encourage other judges to make similar changes in their courts.
I will follow the law, and I will be fair and impartial as I preside over hearings and trials.
I am the only candidate who is board certified, speaks Spanish and represents the poor.
Houston is a city rich in diversity and a large percentage of its population is Latino. I have lived in Mexico, traveled throughout Latin America and speak Spanish. I have many close relatives throughout Mexico and regularly visit them. I have represented clients from around the world, from many different ethnic and religious backgrounds. I greatly admire and respect people from all diverse backgrounds. I believe my familiarity with the Latin culture and my 15 years of experience representing the poor brings a greatly needed perspective and sensitivity to the bench.