(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for Democratic judicial candidates. This is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to my readers. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. You can see other Q&As and further information about judicial candidates on my 2018 Judicial page.
Chuck Silverman
1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
I am Chuck Silverman and I am the Democratic Party candidate for the 183rd Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas.
I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas and attended Tulane University where I received my undergraduate, master's and law degrees. I have lived in Houston since 1986. I am married and have three children. In my spare time I enjoy cycling and shooting skeet and sporting clays.
For more information please visit www.Chuck4Judge.com.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
The 183rd District Court handles felony cases. Felonies are the most serious criminal cases and include murder, aggravated robbery, and sexual assault. The sentences in these cases can range from a period of probation to life imprisonment or in some instances, death.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running for this bench because I am passionate about the law and how it should be applied equally and fairly to all, regardless of race, religion or financial situation.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have a broad range of legal experience that will serve me well as a district court judge. I have practiced law for over three decades and have represented hundreds of clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts. In addition to my litigation experience, I have represented clients in administrative hearings and alternative dispute resolution forums throughout Texas. For the last 11 years I have been the General Counsel of a multinational corporation. I believe that a judge must be an effective administrator and a fair-minded decision maker. I am confident that I can be both.
5. Why is this race important?
One of the major issues facing the criminal justice system in Harris County is the fact that for too long Harris County has had two systems of justice. One for those who have money and the other for those who don’t. A significant percentage of those incarcerated in the Harris County Jail are awaiting trial. Consequently, I think there is a need to reform the systemic denial of personal recognizance bonds to nonviolent defendants in felony cases.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
My hard work ethic, calm demeanor, impartiality, courtroom experience and knowledge of the law make me a superior candidate. I have more than 32 years of legal experience and have many published appellate court decisions. Additionally, I have a good judicial temperament, would be fair to lawyers and litigants and have the extensive depth of legal knowledge required of a district court judge.
Silverman has no or severely limited criminal law experience, a factor which the Houston Chronicle emphasized in strongly supporting his opponent, an incumbent, Vanessa Velasquez.
Chuck has over 32 years of legal experience.
He is well qualified and experienced and he will make a fine judge of the 183rd District Court.
Also, it must be noted that most district courts in Texas (and all Federal District Courts) handle both civil and criminal cases and the judges in those courts generally had experience in only one but not both legal disciplines.
It hasn’t impaired these judges’ ability to adjudicate cases brought before them and it will not affect Chuck’s ability to resolve cases brought before him.
Vote for Chuck
Chuck has over 32 years of legal experience and will make a fine judge.
As you should be aware, most Texas district courts and all Federal courts hear both criminal and civil matters and the judges of these courts, with few exceptions, have experience in only one or the other legal arena and, as will Chuck, make fine judges.