(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 Lori J. Gooch and I am running as a Democrat for the 180th Criminal District Court of Harris County. I am originally from Tyler, Texas. I graduated from Spelman College and Georgia Institute of Technology in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, respectively. I then continued my studies at Howard University School of Law and graduated with a Jurist Doctorate in 2001. I came to Houston in 2002 to work as an Assistant District Attorney of Harris County until I resigned in 2007 to start The Gooch Firm, LLC, where I practice criminal defense.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
The 180th Criminal District Court hears all felony criminal cases that are alleged to happen in Harris County.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running for the 180th because I have the qualifications to be a part of the change that needs to come to criminal justice system in Harris County. With the incumbent judge retiring there is an opportunity to place a Democrat on the bench who has six years of actual felony trial experience, both as prosecutor and a defense attorney. An opportunity to have a person on the bench, who is well rounded, experienced and open to change.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have been practicing criminal law in Harris County for approximately eight years. During my five years as a Harris County Assistant District Attorney I prosecuted cases ranging from Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Driving While Intoxicated and minor traffic offense. As a criminal Defense attorney I have also defended those same charges. I have handled over 50 contested matters in Harris County including jury trials, motions to suppress, court trials, motions to revoke probations and deferred adjudications. The majority of these contested matters where in the District Courts. I have seen the effect of crime on the citizens of this county, both as victims as well as being accused. Having practiced on both sides, gives me perspective to be a well balanced judge giving respect to all who come before the bench, listening to all before rendering a decision based on the law, facts and what is in the best interest of the citizens of Harris County.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is important because the sad reality is that most of us will be or have been touched by crime at some point in our lives, either through our family, friends or acquaintances. In this people should know their judges and know that they are qualified to hear the cases that come before them and have experience to follow the law and make the right decisions.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
People should vote for Lori Gooch for the 180th Criminal District Court, because I have been practicing criminal law in Harris County for approximately eight years, both as a prosecutor and defense attorney. I recognize the problems with the criminal justice system in Harris County, but I am also aware what we are going right. I have spent my legal career doing criminal law. My objective has always been to work hard and to do what is right. I am independent thinker who is willing to make the hard decisions. I have the experience to win in the 2010 November election. To find out more about me, please view my website, www.lorigoochforjudge.com. Remember elect Lori Gooch to the 180th Criminal District Court of Harris County, Texas.