(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for Democratic judicial candidates on the November ballot. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. These Q&As are primarily intended for candidates who were not in contested primaries. You can see those earlier Q&As, as well as all the ones in this series and all my recorded interviews for this cycle, on my 2010 Elections page.)
1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
My name is Michael Gomez and I am running for the 183rd Criminal District Court.
2 . What kind of cases does this court hear?
The 183rd District Court handles felony cases. This court hears capital murder cases, robberies, assaults, burglaries, sexual assaults, drug possession cases, and etc.
3 . Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running to make sure that justice is carried out: every time, every case. Those who break our laws belong before our judges. If defendants are found guilty, they must be sentenced accordingly. Judges sitting in criminal district courts must have both the resolve and the will to apply precedents and even persuasive dicta from the appellate courts to the facts of each case before them. I will do so with no demonstration of bias.
4 . What are your qualifications for this job?
I have been a trial lawyer for 9 and ½ years. I handle cases from the development stage through jury verdict and have extensive experience in motion practice, not only before district courts in Harris County but throughout Texas. My current practice consists of managing a law office of 20 individuals where I handle a high volume case load. I believe that these skills will allow me to move cases swiftly through my courtroom, while also making sure that each defendant is given a fair trial. I believe my ability to balance fairness under the law and swift decision making will provide defendants with ample time and opportunity to mount a reasonable defense while giving the prosecution the same opportunity. Finally, I have been an adjunct professor at the University of Houston – Downtown for the past 9 years teaching Criminal Law, Legal Rights of the Convicted Criminal, Criminal Procedure, and The American Civil and Criminal Court System.
5 . Why is this race important?
This race is important because I am an unbiased candidate. Due to my lack of bias, everyone who appears before me will be judged on the merits of the case, not the attorney who represents them.
6 . Why should people vote for you in November?
All of the above answers give evidence as to why I believe I will earn the voters in Harris County’s confidence and their votes in November. The bottom line is that I have the experience, dedication, work ethic, integrity, honesty and desire to be the judge that Harris County deserves.