I was raised in the trenches of the criminal justice system in Dallas – the epicenter of exonerations and criminal justice reform in Texas. As a Chief Felony Prosecutor and Cold Case Unit Chief, I learned firsthand the lessons necessary to avoid wrongful convictions. This unique journey molded my judicial philosophy and launched my progressive approach to criminal justice. During my first two terms as a Felony District Judge, I implemented innovative solutions to prison’s revolving door by presiding over two specialty courts. The first is called AIM Court, and offers youthful offenders a chance to have their case dismissed and expunged from their record, unshackling them from being a lifelong felony conviction. The second is called the High Risk Domestic Violence Court, and is designed to end the cycle of violence by treating the root causes of intimate partner domestic violence. In addition to a career in public service, I am also a visiting professor, lecturer, podcast host, and legal commentator. I promise, though, that I’ll never forget where I came from or how I was raised.  I am humbly asking you to allow me to take this experience, philosophy and insight  to the highest Court in our state for criminal cases, The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.