(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 all of my interviews as well as finance reports and other information on candidates on my 2016 Election page.)
Greg Glass
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
I am Greg Glass, a 1973 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, a resident of this county for 42 years, a 40-year criminal trial lawyer, a long-time Democrat and former Democratic judicial nominee. I am running for Judge, 351st Criminal District Court, Harris County, Texas.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
All types of felony offenses, from State Jail Felonies through Capital Murder.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I feel that my years of representing all types of people have given me insight into proper disposition of cases, providing leniency to non-violent felony probationers who are learning discipline for the first time in their lives. Also, this preserves jail space for violent criminals and saves taxpayer money in the process.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have tried some 150 jury trials in both Federal and State courts, and have been Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law since 1983. I have never been admonished or sanctioned, publicly or privately, for professional misconduct in my over 42 years of practice.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is important because a judge directly affects more lives of the citizens of Harris County than any other elected official, and the attitude and philosophy of the judge has a direct impact on defendants and their families and loved ones. I feel strongly that non-violent defendants who are not a danger to the public, and who violate relatively minor conditions of probation should be sanctioned, but not necessarily sent to state jail or prison. Valuable prison space should be reserved for violent offenders.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
I have approximately three times the legal experience of my opponent, and I am the only Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer in this primary contest. I am now and have been for many years, a sustaining member of the Harris County Democratic Party.
Justice matters, and if elected, I will make sure that all persons who appear before me are treated fairly and equally.