(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 Dennis M. Slate. I grew up on the East side of Harris County in the Pasadena area. I went to college at Texas A&M University, on the GI Bill after having served 3 years on active duty as a medic in the Army. I attended law school at the University of Houston, also courtesy of the US Army. After trying my hand briefly at working for a civil law firm, I started my own firm in late 2001. I have practiced criminal defense, based out of my office in Deer Park, in courts all over Texas. I am running for Harris County Criminal Court at Law #13, as a Democrat.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
Harris County Court at Law Number 13 is a criminal misdemeanor bench and a trial court. This court has jurisdiction to hear class A and class B misdemeanor cases. The most common of these are:
* D.W.I. (first and second offenses)
* Assault
* Thefts (value of $50 or more but less than $1500)
* Criminal Trespass
* Criminal Mischief (damage of $50 or more but less than $1500)
* Resisting and Evading Arrest (not in a vehicle)
* Possession of Marijuana (less than 4 ounces) and some dangerous drugs
* Failure to Identify (oneself to a police officer)
In addition to hearing these types of cases, the Court monitors probationers, sets the conditions for probation, and determines when those conditions have been violated and what the appropriate punishment is for the violation. The court also is tasked with granting occupational licenses, and ordering conditions for those licenses.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
The previous judge of this court was retiring, and I had decided to run for judge because public service has been something I have taken great pride in since I enlisted in the Army at age 18. I have continued my service to this Country for over 19 years, even being activated in support of the Global War on Terror. I also currently serve the citizens of Houston and Pearland as a Municipal Judge. I feel that at this point in my career I have practiced law long enough to have the appropriate perspective and experience to make me a Judge that can listen and evaluate each case on its individual merits. I have learned from hearing cases in my current courts that, to each person that has been charged with an offense, their case is the most important one in the world, and I must give it my full attention. I do not believe this is being done at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse under the current slate of judges. Too often persons charged with offenses and also victims of these offenses are subjected to random and poorly thought out policies. These policies in the misdemeanor courts are resulting in many of the problems we are seeing in jail overcrowding and defendant recidivism. I would like to help get the Harris County Criminal Courts back to focusing on each individual case to ensure that justice is done for both victims and the accused.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have practiced Criminal law in courts throughout Texas for going on 9 years now. I have practiced in front of good fair minded judges and some not so fair minded. I was nominated by Mayor Tom Reid of Pearland and Mayor Bill White of Houston and confirmed by both city councils to sit as an Associate Judge for those cities. I have presided over bench and jury trials, set bonds, magistrated defendants, presided over dispositive motion hearing, conducted arraignments, and I volunteer as an on-call judge for no refusal weekends to sign blood warrants in DWI cases. I have served the United States as an Army Reserve Officer for over 19 years. I am currently the Houston Selective Service Detachment Commander and have earned the rank of Major. I have the legal, judicial, and life experience to make me a fair, ethical, and qualified judge.
5. Why is this race important?
As Associate Judge for Houston and Pearland Municipal Courts, I can appreciate that many people would prefer not to deal with the legal system altogether. However, when it is you or your loved one that has a legal issue, suddenly the court system becomes very important. In the courtroom, you can only hope your Judge is competent in understanding the law and committed to applying it fairly based on the facts of each individual case. In addition, you want the Judge you stand before to be experienced and fair. As an American, you have the right to have your case heard in court without fear of ridicule. You have the right to a fair trial, to have your case before a judge that listens to you and embodies the principles of respect, fairness, and integrity.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I am the only candidate in my race that routinely practices in the county criminal courts, and the only candidate that actually has JUDICIAL experience. I have the temperament to be fair to all litigants in this court and to ensure justice is done. I have campaigned on the platform of pushing the use of pre-trial release bonds to reduce the numbers of non-violent offenders wasting tax dollars awaiting trial in the Harris County jail, and for the creation of a public defender’s office to take all the bias out of selecting counsel for the indigent. I have been endorsed by the Houston Chronicle, several legal organizations of my peers, the Houston Professional Firefighters, and even the conservative P.O.L.I.C.E. Inc. I have the qualifications, energy and experience to take over this court and make it better for the citizens of Harris County from my first day on the bench.
If you would like to read more about me, go to www.SlateforJudge.com.