Applicants for the 232Nd District Court

tJ \·1-b·ll

~~~:~~!~~:t:BO JJEIVED APPOINTMENT APPLICATION JAN2 6 2017

1. Personal Information Full Legal Name Maritza Michel Antu

Preferred Name Maritza Antu

Spouse's Narr

Physical Home Addres:

City, State Zip

Mailing Address

City, State Zip County Work Telephone Home Teleohone Harris CP.11111:H Preferred E-mail AdL. ___ State Senator Joan Huffman Secondary E-Mail Address ,.. -.-,-··--- ·-, State Representative Sarah Davis

3. State Board(s), Commlssion(s), or Task Force(s) of Interest to You: The list of all entities to which the Governor makes appointments may be found at: http://www. gov. texas. gov/appointments/positions

232ndCriminal District Court

4 . Empoymen t In f ormar 10n Employer Employer's Address Present Job Title The Antu Law Firm, PLLC 917 Franklin Street Criminal Defense Attorney Suite #550 Profession Houston, Texas 77002 Attorney Present Job Description I represent citizens charged with crimes in Harris County.

Revised 02/15 I Name Maritza M. Antu

5. Education!Training Degree and Type of School Name and Location of School Year Graduated Field of Study High School McAllen Memorial High School 1998 High School Diploma

Undergraduate University of Texas at Austin 2002 Public Relations

Graduate University of Houston Law Center 2005 J.D.

Other

6 . Emp1oyment H'1storv Employer Position Dates Location Harris County District Attorney's Office Assistant District Attorney 9/05 - 12/16 Houston, Texas 234 lh District Court, Hon. Reece Rondon Law Clerk 7/04 - 9/04 Houston, Texas Waters & Kraus, L.L.P. Law Clerk 5/04- 7/04 Dallas, Texas Dallas County District Attorney's Office Intern 7/03 - 8/03 Dallas, Texas

7. References Name Employer City Telephone Relationship Hon. Vanessa Velasquez State of Texas Houston 713-818-4646 Assigned to her Court as an ADA Hon. Belinda Hill Retired Houston 713-882-3652 Previous Employer Hon. Marc Carter State of Texas Houston 832-651-3352 Assigned to his Court as an ADA Jon Stephenson Self Houston 713-253-1776 Colleague/Friend Hon. Reece Rondon Hall Maines Lugrin Houston 832-577-2043 Previous Employer Connie Spence State of Texas Houston 281-889-8529 Colleague/Friend Wes Rucker Trichter & Murphy, PC Houston 713-922-8149 Colleague/Friend Terese Buess Self Houston 713-828-3279 Supervisor at DA's Office

8. Professional Memberships (including any state bar memberships) Oraanlzatlon Title/Position Current/Former Houston Bar Association Member Current Texas District & County Attorneys Association Member Former

9. Vo I unteer p art1c1pat' 10n Organization Title/Position Current/Former University of Houston Law Center Coach/Environmental Law, Moot Court Competition Former Hispanic Law Students' Association Special Events Officer Former

10. M'litI arv serv1ce Are you or have vou ever been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States: I IYes IXINo Branch Dates of Service Type of Discharge

Revised 02/15 2 I Name Maritza M. Antu

11. Social Media Information Do you use, or have you ever used, any of the following? If ''yes," provide additional information.

Facebook 0Yes ~ No Username Twitter 0Yes ~ No Handle@ lnstagram ~Yes D No Username mrsiglesias80 Linkedln 0Yes ~ No Profile Google+ 0Yes ~ No Username

12. S ouse Information This Section Not A llcable Spouse's Emolover . lnh TitlQ/Pn~itinn

uoes your spouse conauct any ous1ness w1t11nr nero~0 ™8 If,._"' _, __ ,,__ ""'• ----- •--· Texas Legislature or any other state entity? 'es ___No ..______~

13. Miscellaneous Information Note: "Material interest" is defined as (a) seNing on the governing board of directors or (b) a ten (10) percent or greater ownership. This does not apply to any mutual funds in which you do not exercise author/ in investment decisions.

Are you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest currently No delin uent in an local state or federal taxes? If es, ive details.

Have you ever defaulted on a personal, business or student loan? If ves, oive details. I I I Yes 1X1No Type of Loan Date Details

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest or of which LJYes ~ No you have been an officer or principal been involved in any bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, oive details includino dates.

Do you currently serve, or have you ever served, on any local, state or federal government LJ Yes~ No board, commission or committee or in anv elected or ao1:>ointedoffice? Compensated Reimbursed Entity Position Dates (YIN) (Y/N)

Revised 02/15 3 I Name Marit:ia M. Antu

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

Are (es Name of Official and Title Rela'uum~hiD

Do you or your spouse have any material interest in, or are either of you employed by, any LJ Yes~ No company that does business with or receives funds from the State of Texas? If ves, oive full name and details: Name of Company Details

Are you or your spouse an officer, director, employee or paid Self consultant of a trade association? D Yes t8l No

If yes, please list association and position: Spouse

Have you or your spouse ever been registered as a lobbyist or received compensation to LJ Yes~ No represent someone before a local. state, or federal aovernment? Self or Entity Represented Entity Lobbied Dates SDOuse

In the last five years, have you, or any company in which you have a material interest, been LJ Yes~ No licensed bv a Texas state aoencv? If ves, oive details. Aaencv Type of License License# Expiration

Have ou ever been delin uent in child su Yes No t8J Not Applicable

Revised 02/ 15 4 I Name Maritza M. Antu

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

To the best of your knowledge, has any federal, state or local law enforcement or regulatory ~ Yes LJ No agency (on behalf of itself or any other person or entity) filed or investigated any grievance or complaint against you, your spouse, or an entity in which you have a material interest? If yes, give details and disposition (investiaated dismissed, reprimanded) Agency Date Details and Dlscosltion State Bar of Texas 2015 Grievance #2015-02730. Natasha Johnson, a defendant l personally tried in the 263rd District Court for Injury to a Child, filed a grievance after she was sentenced to 50 years in prison. The State Bar of Texas closed the case with a dismissal. State Bar of Texas 2013 Grievance #2013-05216. Michael Wayne Barnes, a defendant I personally tried in the 183111District Court for Burglary of a Habitation, filed a grievance after be was sentenced to 35 years in prison. The State Bar of Texas closed the case with a dismissal.

To the best of your knowledge, have you, your spouse, or any company iri which you have a LJ Yes~ No material interest been investigated, reprimanded, fined or suspended from doing business with any state or federal agency? If yes, give details and disposition (investigated, reprimanded fined susoended Agency Date Details and Dlsoosltion

Have you ever been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations), placed ~ Yes LJ No on probation, required to perform community service, or had a criminal proceeding disposed of by pre-trial diversion, deferred prosecution, deferred adjudication, or some similar proceeding?

If yes, list the charge, the date of the offense, the city and/or county and state in which it alleaedlv occurred, and the disposition thereof. Minor in Possession of Alcohol June 2000 Austin, Texas Dismissed with completion of an alcohol education course.

Revised 02/15 s 14. Certification

Full Legal Name Maritza Michel Antu - Date of Birth Driver License or DPS ID# I Are you a U.S. Citizen? ~ Yes LJ No IPlace of Birth McAllen, Texas Date of naturalization (if not a citizen upon birth) I I Ethnicity: (optional; check all that apply) LJ White LJ African American

1:8:1Hispanic D Asian American D Native American D Other

Notes: • Appointment to a Board or Commission may require the annual filing of a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) Form with the Texas Ethics Commission.

• A resume must be attached In order for this application to be considered complete.

• Judicial candidates must also complete a Judicial Questionnaire.

• Any information provided on the application or attached may be subject to the Texas Public Information Act This means that an individual requesting copies of the information in your file may be provided access to that information.

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT

I hereby certify that the foregoing and any attached statements are true, accurate and complete. I agree that any misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission of a fact may result in my disqualification for appointment. I assign and hereby give the Office of the Governor full authority to conduct background investigations pertinent to this application. I specifically authorize the Texas Department of Public Safety to conduct a background investigation and to disclose the results of that investigation to the Governor or his authorized representative.

January 26, 2017

Submit to: Date

Appointments Staff (512) 463-1828 Office of the Governor (512) 475-2576 fax PO Box 12428 www.gov.texas.gov Austin, Texas 78711

[email protected] (with scanned signature page)

Re.vised 02/1S 6 Rev. Aaron J. Michka, C.S.C. Department of Anthropology University of Michigan 101 West Hall I 085 S. University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1107

March 30, 2017

To Whom This May Concern:

It is a pleasure to recommend Mrs. ~aritza Antu for an appointment to the 232"d District Court bench. Having known Maritza for the better part of a decade, I can testify to her sound temperament, firm moral resolve, and strong devotion to the Catholic faith. While others are more capable of celebrating Maritza's professional achievements, I want to single out the trait I find most praiseworthy in Maritza: her personal integrity.

Maritza has managed to advance in her career without compromising her resoonsibilities In fact, as I have observed as a Catholic priest close to Maritza has risen the ranks largely because she maintains a close connection with her household, church, and broader community. Work has never withheld Maritza from those she loves and cares for most. To the contrary, Maritza has long approached her career as an opportunity to serve the very communities that support her and give her life. From humble upbringings in the Texas Valley to the University of Houston Law School, to the District Attorney's Office in Harris County, Maritza has never lost sight of the purpose of her work, nor of the people who have helped her along the way. This self-awareness is what I take to be the clearest sign of Maritza's integrity. She knows who she is, where she is coming from, and what she is asked to do as an attorney at law. Such a sturdy disposition will serve her well no matter where her next career step takes her.

In my ministry as a priest and academic, I have come to believe that the legal profession constitutes a vocation not too different from my own. Attorneys are called to participate in a process that seeks truth so that justice may be rendered. This labor is perhaps most challenging to those most fully committed to its ideals. Without a doubt, Maritza is called to the legal profession. She takes her work very seriously precisely because she believes in its importance. In now seeking an appointment as a judge, Maritza is also fully aware of the responsibilities this post entails. Myself being an outsider to the legal world, I am unable comment on Maritza's professional preparation. But I can say this with complete and unreserved conviction: I cannot think of anyone more capable to assume the duties and challenges of a judgeship than Maritza Antu.

Sincerely,

Rev. Aaron J. Michka, C.S.C. Katelyn Deibert

From: Rondon, Reece Sent: Friday, February 03, 2017 8:19 AM To: Email (ServingTexas) Subject: Recommendation for Maritza Antu

To David Whitley or whomever it may concern:

My name is Reece Rondon, and I am an attorney in Houston, Texas. For almost nine years, I presided over the 334th and 234th District Courts of Texas, a civil bench. I was twice appointed by Governor Rick Perry.

One of my first interns when I became a judge was Martiza Antu. She worked with me in 2004 while she was still a law student at the University of Houston. She was a wonderful intern and it was obvious then that she would excel at the practice of law. Her achievements at UHLC reinforced that expectation. And she has exceled in her practice. As you are aware, she served the State of Texas as a Harris County prosecutor for many years. I believe her record to be outstanding.

I was delighted to hear she was applying for an appointment to a criminal bench. I believe she would be wonderful addition to that bench from a professional standpoint, personal standpoint and diversity standpoint.

I hope Governor Abbott gives her serious consideration. Please feel free to contact me if I may be of service or answer any questions.

Be well, Reece

Reece Rondon Shareholder D 832 681 5403 M 832 577 2043 ,a' ,,a h.:.lt."' , c. m

1 December 30, 2016

Gov. Greg Abbott Office of Appointments State Insurance Building DAVID L. MENDOZA 1100 San Jacinto Boulevard JUDGE 178m D ISTRICTCOURT Austin, Texas 78701 1201 FRANKLIN HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002 FAX(7 13) 368-9204 (713) 755-6336 david_;[email protected]

RE: Application of Maritza Antu for Judicial Appointment to a State District Court Bench

Dear Governor;

I am writing this letter of reference on behalf of Attorney Maritza Antu regarding her appointment as a Criminal District court Judge. Ms. Antu served in the 17gth District Court of Harris County as the Chief Prosecutor under Devon Anderson, the Harris County District Attorney, for approximately three years during 2013-2015. She has served as an Assist ant D.A for Harris County for 11 and a half years. During her tenure in this Court, I observed her work very hard to reduce our trial case load from the 3rd highest of 170 cases to 20 cases, the 2nd lowest. Out of 22 Criminal District Courts, she also reduced our total then pending criminal cases from the 11th highest caseload of over 800 to 625, the 6th smallest caseload. As Chief Prosecutor, she alone had the responsibility to supervise two other prosecutors assigned to the Court and to try capital murder cases herself. She treated the Court, defense counsel, and all litigants with respect and conducted herself in a manner that instilled pride in all of those who had dealings with her. While serving as Chief Prosecutor in my Court, I observed her in action handling 16 non-death capital murder cases. She tried 5 of them herself. As Chief Prosecutor, she displayed a willingness to resolve cases or to try cases in a highly professional and competent manner. Her extensive trial experience, her knowledge of the law combined with her work ethic and commitment to justice of all will serve the community well, if she is appointed to a Criminal District Court bench. :r;~,. David L. Mendoza A. REAGAN CLARK SENIOR DISTRICT JUDGE 5100 WESTHEIMER RD., STE. 200 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056

TEL: (713) 588 4341 FAX: (713) 588 43Sl January 20, 2017 CELL: (713) 410 2644

Governor Greg Abbott Office of Appointments State Insurance Building 1100 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, Texas 78701

Re: Application of Maritza Antu; Judicial Appointment to 232" District Court, Harris County, Texas

Governor:

This letter is to recommend the judicial appointment of Maritza Antu to fill the vacancy in the 232ndDistrict Court in Harris County.

I am a Senior District Judge sitting by assignment as a visiting judge in the Criminal District Courts of Harris County. Over the past five years, I have had the pleasure to become acquainted with Maritza Antu as an Assistant District Attorney. Maritza has prosecuted several capital murder cases resulting in convictions in the courts over which I have presided. She has earned my respect and the respect of her peers as a tireless worker and an extremely fair, ethical and accomplished trial attorney. In my 38 years as a Judge, having had many trial lawyers appear before me, I can say she ran.ks at the top of her field. I am impressed by her temperament, case preparation, the methodical and thorough manner in which she presents her cases along with her knowledge of the law and trial procedures. All these characteristics and personality traits are very important for one aspiring to become a Judge.

I highly recommend Maritza Antu to you for appointment to the 232ndDistrict Court. She has the integrity, temperament, knowledge, and experience to be an excellent Judge. r;~1~r~

~sSenior District Judge January 24, 2017

Governor Greg Abbott Office of Appointments State Insurance Building 1100 San Jacinto Boulevard Austin, Texas 78701

Re: Application of Maritza Antu; Judicial Appointment State District Court Bench

Governor:

Maritza 1s outgoing, run, tnougntru1, carmg, generous ana 1oya1to trtends and family alike. She is a great 1. She is simultaneou~lv natient, understanding, loving, skeptical and demanding in her role ~ teacher and mom. have jointly made it their priority that experiences and embraces both her American and Mexican heritages and cultures.

Maritza's childhood experiences were often difficult and challenging. Her life lessons during her journey to adulthood have shaped her independent self-reliance, core values and giving spirit Maritza was the first in her family to apply and graduate from college, University of Texas, Class of 2002. J;',,,.,..J,, ""'

Professionally, Maritza is an intelligent, industrious and decisive young woman. She is a team player, collegial and inclusive. She is self-confident, sees all sides of an issue, ever ready to share an informed assessment and offer a corresponding recommendation. Maritza is also an articulate, judicious communicator, who understands that the message is as important as the result Additionally, Maritza is a good compassionate person who recognizes the bright line between right and wrong and the consequences that ensue. ram nrnud nf M:1rlt7.;i ;ind P.VP.n nrnnnPr t() call her

3836 Tennyson Street Houston, Texas 77005 fv 12·?7·/b GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR RECEIVED APPOINTMENT APPLICATION DEC2 ·2 20f6 Ao · 1. Personal Information ra tt J)OJntments Full Legal Name Stacey Webb Bond

Preferred Name Stacey W. Bond

Spouse's Name

Physical Home Addres:

City, State Zip

Mailing Addres

City, State Zip County Work Telephone Home Teleohone Harris 713-755-6328 r.~111,l~r PrP.ferred E-mail Address State Senator Joan Huffman Secondary E-Mail Address'" at,1t,111va1.1,c, State Representative JimM hy

3. State Board(s), Commission(s), or Task Force(s) of Interest to You: The list of all entities to which the Governor makes appointments may be found at: http://www. gov.texas. gov/appointments/positions

Judge, 232nd Criminal District Court

4. Empoymen t In f:orma ti on Employer Employer's Address Present Job Title State of Texas Office of Court Administration District Judge 205 W. 14thSt. Suite 600 Profession Austin, TX 7870 I Legal Present Job Description Judge, 176thCriminal District Court of Harris County. Elected judge of Criminal District court hearing felony cases as one of twenty two criminal courts in the fourth largest county in the United States. Also presiding over Success Througl- Addiciton Recovery Court (STAR court#3) weekly. Docket is comprised of high (recidivist) risk defendant/clients with long history of drug addiction who are placed on deferred adjudication and are closely supervised and supported in their recovery effort.

Revised 02/15 I Name Stacey W. Bond

5. Ed uca ti 0 n/Trammg Degree and Name and Location of School Year Type of School Graduated Field of Study High School Klein Forest High School 1985 Diploma

Undergraduate Texas A&M University 1989 BBA - Business A ..1-,in, Graduate University of Houston Law Center 1993 JD

Other

6. Empoymen t H"IS t ory Employer Position Dates Location Harris County District Attorney's Office Assistant District Attorney 93-99 Houston, Harris Hinton Sussman Bailey & Davidson Associate 99-07 Houston, TX Hinton Bailey Bond LLP Partner 07-12 Houston, TX State of Texas, Harris County District court Judge 13-16 Houston, Harris

7. References Name Employer City Telephone Relationship Joe Bailey self Houston 713-864-4477 Colleague Hon. Vanessa Velasquez State of Texas Houston 713-755-6354 Colleague Allen Isbell self Houston 713-236-1000 Colleague Hon. Mark Brown State of Texas Houston 713-274-2800 Colleague Lisa Andrews self Houston 713-523-7878 Colleague

8. Professional Memberships (including any state bar memberships) Organization Title/Position Current/Forme1 State Bar of Texas Member current Houston Bar Association Member current College of State Bar Member current Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Member fonner National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Member former Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association Member former

9 . V o Iun t eer Pm·a c1pa ti on Organization Title/Position Current/Forme Success ThrouR:hAddiction Recovery (STAR DruR: Jud2e Current First United Methodist Church of Houston Board of Trustees, Administrative Board, Former Chapelwood Methodist Church Sundav School Teacher Former Bible Study Fellowship Discussion Leader and Childrens Leader Former

10. MTtaII ry Serv1ce Are you or have you ever been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States: I IYes r>

Revised02/15 2 I Name Stacey W. Bond

11. Social Media Information Do you use, or have you ever used, any of the following? If "yes," provide additional information.

Facebook 181Yes D No Username Stacey Webb Bond

Twitter D Yes 181No Handle @

lnstagram 181Yes D No Username mombond007

Linkedln D Yes 181No Profile

Google+ D Yes 181No Username

12. S ouse Information This Section Not Applicable I lnh Titlo/Pncitinn

0 _,____ •:-" -----:--· uoes your spouse conauct any ousmess w1tn I'll" IJE!TC'.. '"'9___ ~1".. -- Texas Legislature or any other state entity? (es No .

13. Miscellaneous Information Note: "Material interest" is defined as (a) serving on the governing board of directors or (b) a ten (10) percent or greater ownership. This does not apply to any mutual funds in which you do not exercise authorit in investment decisions.

Are you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest currently I LJYes ~ No delinquent in anv local, state or federal taxes? If ves. aive details.

Have you ever defaulted on a personal, business or student loan? If yes, give details. I I I Yes 1X1No Type of Loan Date Details

Do you currently serve, or have you ever served, on any local, state or federal government ~ Yes LJ No board, commission or committee or in anv elected or aooointed office? Compensated Reimbursed Entity Position Dates (Y/N) (Y/N) State of Texas Judge 2013-2016 yes no

Revised 02/IS 3 I Name Stacey W. Bond

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

Are Yes ~o Name of Official and Title Relationshl

Do you or your spouse have any material interest in, or are either of you employed by, any LJ Yes~ No company that does business with or receives funds from the State of Texas? If ves oive full name and details: Name of Company Details

Are you or your spouse an officer, director, employee or paid Self consultant of a trade association? D Yes [8J No

If yes, please list association and position: Spouse

Have you or your spouse ever been registered as a lobbyist or received compensation to LJYes ~ No represent someone before a local, state or federal government? Self or Entity Represented Entity Lobbied Dates Spouse

In the last five years, have you, or any company in which you have a material interest, been D Yes IZI No licensed by a Texas state agency? If yes, give details. Agency Type of License License# Expiration

Yes No D Not Applicable

Revised 02/15 4 I Name Stacey W. Bond

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

To the best of your knowledge, has any federal, state or local law enforcement or regulatory Yes No agency (on behalf of itself or any other person or entity) filed or investigated any grievance or complaint against you, your spouse, or an entity in which you have a material interest? If ive details and dis osition investi ated, dismissed, re rimanded Date Details and Dis osition

To the best of your knowledge, have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a LJ Yes ~ No material interest been investigated, reprimanded, fined or suspended from doing business with any state or federal agency? If yes, give details and disposition (investigated, reprimanded, fined. suspended Agency Date Details and Disposition

Have you ever been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations), placed D Yes ~ No on probation, required to perform community service, or had a criminal proceeding disposed of by pre-trial diversion, deferred prosecution, deferred adjudication, or some similar proceeding?

If yes, list the charge, the date of the offense, the city and/or county and state in which it alleoedlv occurred, and the disposition thereof.

Revised02/15 5 14. Certification

Full Legal Name Stacey Webb Bond

Date of Birtt )river License or DPS ID# I Are you a U.S. Citizen? ~ Yes LJ No I Place of Birth San Diego Calitornia Date of naturalization (if not a citizen upon birth) / / Ethnicity: (optional; check all that apply) [8J White LJ African American

D Hispanic D Asian American D Native American D Other

Notes: • Appointment to a Board or Commission may require the annual filing of a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) Form with the Texas Ethics Commission.

• A resume must be attached in order for this application to be considered complete.

• Judicial candidates must also complete a Judicial Questionnaire.

• Any information provided on the application or attached may be subject to the Texas Public Information Act. This means that an individual requesting copies of the information in your file may be provided access to that information.

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT

12-13-16

Submit to: Date

Appointments Staff (512) 463-1828 Office of the Governor (512) 475-2576 fax PO Box 12428 www.gov.texas.gov Austin, Texas 78711

[email protected] (with scanned signature page)

Revised 02/15 6 f\J \ \·lS -\0 GOVERNOR GREG ABB~ .e,~ OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Novl "ED APPOINTMENT APPLICATION App . s Zl1'l6 . 01"'-elfts 1. Personal Information Full Legal Name Linda Faye Garcia

Preferred Name Linda Garcia

Spouse's Name

Physical Home Address

City, State Zis

Mailing Addre:

City, State Zi~ County Work Telephone Harris 713-755-3575 Cellular n--~-- - -• ~ State Senator L Ta tor Secondary E-Mail Addres~,,;ry- State Representative Wa ne Smith

Judge, 232ndJudicial District, Harris County, TX Any other criminal district court

4. Emp ovment In f ormation Employer Employer's Address Present Job Title Harris County 120 l Franklin, Th floor Judge Houston, Texas 77002 Profession Lawyer/Judge Present Job Description I currently serve as the judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 16, the newly-created misdemeanor criminal court in Harris County, Texas.

Revised 02/15 j Name Linda Garcia

5 . Ed ucati on IT rammg . . Year Degree and Type of School Name and Location of School Graduated Field of Study High School John Marshall, San Antonio, Texas 1978 general

Undergraduate University of Houston, Houston, Texas 1990 BBA-Info. Systems

Graduate University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas 1993 JO

Other

6. Emp ovment H"1s t orv Employer Position Dates Location Harris County Judge, County Criminal Court No. 16 since I /2016 Houston, Texas Harris County District Attorney's Office Assistant District Attorney 2008-2015 Houston, Texas Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles Board member 1999-2008 Angleton, Texas Harris County District Attorney's Office Assistant District Attorney 1993-1999 Houston, Texas

7. References Name Employer City Telephone Relationship Mike Schofield Texas House of Rep. Katy 713-299-5819 Friend Cynthia Tauss Board of Pardons/Parole League City 915-3 73-9650 Former Co-wkr Wayne Smith Texas House of Rep. Baytown 713-248-8776 Friend Margaret Harris Harris County Court Houston 713-252-8418 Presiding Judge Frank Hannon Cain Caton Houston 713-752-8608 Friend

B. Professional Memberships (including any state bar memberships) Oraanization Title/Position Current/Fonner State Bar of Texas Member Current Mexican-American Bar Association Member Current Hisoanic Bar Association Member Current Association of Women Attorneys Member Current Texas Association for Court Administration Member Current Houston Young Lawyers Association Member Current

9. V o Iun t eer Pa rf1c1pa · ti on Organization Title/Position Current/Former Rotary Club of Houston Member Current Music Guild of St. Thomas High School Member Current Catholic Charities - Guadalupe Center Volunteer Current

10. MTta11 rv Serv1ce Are vou or have vou ever been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States: I IYes IXINo Branch Dates of Service Type of Discharge

Revised 02/15 2

• I Name Linda Garcia

11. Social Media Information Do you use, or have you ever used, any of the following? If "yes," provide additional information.

Facebook r81Yes D No Usemame Linda Garcia and Judge Linda Garcia Campaign

Twitter 0 Yes 1:81No Handle@

lnstagram D Yes r81No Usemame Unkedln 0Yes ~ No Profile Google+ 0Yes ~ No Username

12. Spouse Information This Section Not A licable I ~nn1 ,c:.,.•c,S:mnln\lo~ . lnh T i+l.,./Dnei•i"'"

Does your spouse conduct any business with or beff'\"'" +~~- I " Texas Legislature or any other state entity? Ye~ ~ 13. Miscellaneous Information Note: ·Material interestn is defined as (a) seNing on the governing board of directors or (b) a ten (10) percent or greater ownership. This does not apply to any mutual funds in which you do not exercise authorit in investment decisions.

Are you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest currently No delin uent in an local state or federal taxes? If es ive details.

Have vou ever defaulted on a personal. business or student Joan? If yes, give details. I IX! Yes I I No Type of Loan Date Details Student Loan 1996 20 years a~o and paid in full

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest or of which ~Yes U No you have been an officer or principal been involved in any bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, aive details includina dates. Personal bankruptcy in 1996

Do you currently serve, or have you ever served, on any local, state or federal government ~Yes U No board commission or committee or in any elected or aooointed office? Compensated Reimbursed Entity Position Oates (YIN) (Y/N) Harris County Criminal Court 16 Jud~e since 1/16 y y Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles Boardmember 1999-2008 y y

RevisedOZ/IS 3 IName Linda Garcia

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

Are Yes No Name of Official and Title Relal._ ...;hlo

Do you or your spouse have any material interest in, or are either of you employed by, any LJ Yes~ No company that does business with or receives funds from the State of Texas? If yes aive full name and details: Name of Company Details

Are you or your spouse an officer, director, employee or paid Self consultant of a trade association? D Yes [81 No

If yes, please list association and position: Spouse

Have you or your spouse ever been registered as a lobbyist or received compensation to D Yes IZI No represent someone before a local, state or federal government? Self or Entity Represented Entity Lobbied Dates Spouse

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you or your spouse have a material Yes No interest been art to liti ation? If es, ive details. numerous suits as a member of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, currently being sued in my capacity as a misdemeanor criminal judge, settled a nuisance lawsuit when he owned a Diesel Fuel business.

In the last five years, have you, or any company in which you have a material interest, been LJ Yes~ No licensed bv a Texas state aaencv? If ves, aive details. Agency Type of License license# Expiration

Have ou ever been delin uent in child su Yes No D Not Applicable

Revised 02/1S 4

14. Certification

Full Legal Name Linda Faye Garcia .... I Date of Birth Driver License or DPS ID#

Are you a U.S. Citizen? l2SIYes LJ No I Place of Birth Misawa AFB, Japan Date of naturalization (if not a citizen upon birth) I I Ethnicity: (optional; check all that apply) LJWhite LJ African American

~ Hispanic D Asian American D Native American D Other

Notes: • Appointment to a Board or Commission may require the annual filing of a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) Form with the Texas Ethics Commission.

• A resume must be attached in order for this application to be considered complete.

• Judicial candidates must also complete a Judicial Questionnaire.

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT

I hereby certify that the foregoing and any attached statements are true, accurate and complete. I agree that any misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission of a fact may result in my disqualification for appointment I assign and hereby give the Office of the Governor full authority to conduct background investigations pertinent to this application. I specifically authorize the Texas Department of Public Safety to conduct a background investigation and to disclose the results of that Investigation to the Governor or his authorized representative. -~-~At<-· Applicant's Signature

/\ic v' f/\&./-- Submit to: oate

Appointments Staff (512) 463-1828 Office of the Governor (512) 475-2576 fax PO Box 12428 www.gov.texas.gov Austin, Texas 78711

[email protected] (with scanned signature page)

Revised 02/1 S 6 TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

[ 1--·'2\ ·17 REC E, :::o

FE~ 2 1 2017 BRISCOE CAIN Appointments District 128

February 14, 2017

RECEIVED

Governor Greg Abbott FEB17 2017 P.O. Box 12428 Austin, TX 78711-2428 OOG/CCOM

Governor Abbott:

I am writing to recommend Judge Linda Garcia, resident of Deer Park, for the 232nd Felony Bench in Harris County. While I cannot speak to the qualifications of others seeking this position, Judge Garcia has an impressive resume as both a judge and an attorney which provides her with the well-rounded experience and expertise necessary to serve in this important court.

After receiving her degree from the University of Houston School of Law, Garcia worked for six years as an assistant district attorney in Harris County where, among other responsibilities, she worked in the Child Abuse Division as well as the Trial Bureau. In 1999, she was appointed by Governor Bush to the Texas Board of Pardons and paroles, where for nine years she made recommendations to the Governor on matters of executive clemency. In 2008 she returned to the Harris District Attorney's Office, continuing to serve until 2016, when she was unanimously appointed to the 16th Harris County Criminal Court.

As you can see, Judge Garcia has a dE>:pthof experience which uniquely qualifies her to serve on the 232nd Felony Bench in Harris County and I enthusiastically recommend her for this position.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance as you make this important decision.

Sincerest best regards,

Rep. Briscoe Cain

POST OFFICE Box 2910 • A USTIN, TExAs 78768-2910 • CAPITOL RooM El .418 • (512) 463-0733 BRISCOE.CAIN@ HOUSE.TEXAS.GOV GOVERNOR GREG ABB01Jlf1'2f OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Nov 2 liED 1 2016 APPOINTMENT APPLICATIONA.ppo; nt111ents 1. Personal Information Full Legal Name Holly Renee Magee

Preferred Name Renee

Spouse's NamE

Physical Home Address

City, State Zip

Mailing Addres

City, State Zip County Work Telephone I HnmA TAIAnhnnA Harris 713-755-7746

S lvia Garcia ~Ar.nnd::.rv F-M::.il ArlrlrA~~ (if ::1nnlir~ble) State Representative Carol Alvarado

3. State Board(s), Commission(s), or Task Force(s) of Interest to You: The list of all entities to which the Governor makes appointments may be found at: http://www. qov.texas. gov/appointments/positions

Harris County District Court Judge - Criminal

4 . E mp1oymen t In f orma ti on Employer Employer's Address Present Job Title State of Texas/Harris County l 20 l Franklin District Court Judge Houston, Texas Profession 77002 Law Present Job Description Criminal District Court Judge

Revised 02/15 I Name Holly Renee Magee

5 . Ed uca ti on /Trammg .. Degree and Type of School Name and Location of School Year Graduated Field of Study High School Clear Lake High School 1977 general studies

Undergraduate University of Houston-Clear Lake 1988 SBA-finance-cum laude

Graduate University of Houston Law Center 1992 j uris doctorate other

6 . Empoymen t H.IS t Ory Employer Position Dates Location Texaco Inc, Legal Dept. paralegal 1989 1992 Harris County District Attorney Office ADA 1992 2013 1 State of Texas/Harris County Judge, 337 h D.C. 2013 2017

7. References Name Employer City Telephone Relationship Judge Elsa Alcala State of Texas-CCA Austin, Texas 281 -250-2362 former co- Cong. Ted Poe U.S. House of Rep Houston, Texas 713-291-7061 cthouse Rep. Valoree Swanson Texas House of Rep Houston, Texas 832-549-7926 campaign Judge Deborah Mayfield Judge, District Ct. 165 Houston, Texas 281-772-6215 cthouse Judge Vanessa Velasquez Judge 183rd Dist. Ct. Houston, Texas 713-818-4646 cthouuse

8. Professional Memberships (including any state bar memberships) Oraan ization Title/Position Current/Former Houston Bar association member current Texas District and Countv Attorney Assoociationn member former Texas Bar Association member current Association of Women Attys member current American Bar Association member current

9 . V o Iun teer p a rti c1pa. f 10n Organization Title/Position Current/Former Cystic Fibrosis Foundation member/ suooorter current St. Paul's Catholic Church volunteer/ supporter current Alzheimer's Association volunteer/supporter current Special Olympics volunteer/supporter current Wounded Warrior Project volunteersupporter current Texas Right to Life volunteer/supporter current

10. MT11tary serv1ce Are vou or have vou ever been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States : I IYes IXINo Branch Dates of Service Type of Discharae

Revised 02/15 2 I Name HolJy Renee Magee

11. Social Media Information Do you use, or have you ever used, any of the following? If "yes,~ provide additional information.

Facebook ~ Yes D No Usemame Renee Magee for Judge Twitter 0Yes ~ No Handle @ lnstagram DYes ~ No Username

Linkedln (8.1Yes D No Profile Renee Magee, Judge 337th

Google+ ~Yes D No Usemame

12. Spouse Information This Section Not Applicable ~nni ,~ ·~ i=mnln\/'"r lnh T i+lo/On c,i+inn

Does your spouse conduct any business with nr befor0 +h~ If ves. olease list aaencies: Texas Legislature or any other state entity? Yes ~o

13. Miscellaneous Information Note: "Material interesr· is defined as (a) serving on the governing board of directors or (b) a ten (10) percent or greater ownership. This does not apply to any mutual funds in which you do not exercise authori in investment decisions.

Are you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest currently No delin uent in an local state or federal taxes? If es, ive details.

Have vou ever defaulted on a personal, business or student loan? If yes, give details. I l I Yes !XI No Type of Loan Date Details

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest or of which LJ Yes ~ No you have been an officer or principal been involved in any bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, give details including dates.

Revised 02/15 3 I Name Holly Renee Magee

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

Are ouse related to a local state or federal ublic official? (es No Name of Official and Title Rela ;hi

Do you or your spouse have any material interest in, or are either of you employed by, any LJ Yes ~ No company that does business with or receives funds from the State of Texas? If yes, give full name and details: Name of Comoanv Details

Are you or your spouse an officer, director, employee or paid Self consultant of a trade association? D Yes [gl No

If yes, please list association and position: Spouse

Have you or your spouse ever been registered as a lobbyist or received compensation to Yes -Jo represent someone before a local state, or federal government? Self or I Entity Represented I Entity Lobbied Dates Spouse

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you or your spouse have a material Yes No interest been a to liti ation? If es ive details. self -1989, divorce, Harris County, Texas

In the last five years, have you, or any company in which you have a material interest, been ~ Yes LJ No licensed by a Texas state agency? If yes, oive details. Agency Type of License License# Expiration Texas State Bar Law 12812300 Texas State Bar Law 00795691

Yes No D Not Applicable

Revised 02/15 4 I Name Holly Renee Magee

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

To the best of your knowledge, has any federal, state or local law enforcement or regulatory Yes No agency (on behalf of itself or any other person or entity) filed or investigated any grievance or complaint against you, your spouse, or an entity in which you have a material interest? If es, ive details and dis sition investi ated, dismissed, re ·manded

State Bar of Texas 2/10/ 10 investi ated and dismissed- see attached State Bar of Texas 5/16/16 investi ted and dismissed- see attached

To the best of your knowledge, have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a LJ Yes ~ No material interest been investigated, reprimanded, fined or suspended from doing business with any state or federal agency? If yes, give details and disposition (investigated, reorimanded, fined susoended> Agency Date Details and Disposition

If yes, list the charge, the date of the offense, the city and/or county and state in which it alleoedlv occurred, and the disoosition thereof.

Revised 02/15 5 14. Certification

Full Legal Name Holly Renee Magee Date of Birth l Driver License or DPS ID# Are you a U.S. Citizen?~ Yes LJ No IPlace of Birth Texas City, Texas I I Date of naturalization (if not a citizen upon birth) I I I Ethnicity: (optional; check all that apply) ~ White LJ African American I

D Hispanic D Asian American D Native American D Other

Notes: • Appointment to a Board or Commission may require the annual filing of a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) Form with the Texas Ethics Commission.

• A resume must be attached in order for this application to be considered complete.

• Judicial candidates must also complete a Judicial Questionnaire.

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT

I hereby certify that the foregoing and any attached statements are true, accurate and complete. I agree that any misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission of a fact may result in my disqualification for appointment I assign and hereby give the Office of the Governor full authority to conduct background investigations pertinent to this application. I specifically authorize the Texas Department of Public Safety to conduct a background investigation and to disclose the results of that investigation to the Governor or his authorized representative. p?&it~~ 1 l-18- l 6

Submit to: Date

Appointments Staff (512) 463-1828 Office of the Governor (512) 475-2576 fax PO Box 12428 WWW.gov .texas.gov Austin, Texas 78711

Revised 02/15 6 Rae A. Sinor, Deer Park City Councilwoman 2521 Magnolia Lane Deer Park, TX 77536 281-923-5433

David Whitley Governors Office State of Texas

Dear Mr. Whitley,

My name is Rae Sinor and I am a resident of Deer Park in Harris County where I also serve as a City Councilwoman. I was raised in the small town of Deer Park and have proudly served in my Council position for 5 years now, ¥l way into my 3rd term. I have also worked and served for many years with the Bay Area Republican Women where I am a Past President and currently serving as their Auction Chair for the Lincoln Day Dinner. I come from a family of public servants . My Father, Bill Bailey served as Harris County Constable in Pct. 8 for 26 years before retiring. He also just retired from working and announcing the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo for the past 55 years. Maybe you've had an occasion to hear him announce the grand Entry or do the Calf Scramble in the middle of the arena. Before that he was a Disc Jockey for many years for Country and Western Music (the old kind) for KI KK.

But enough about me. I am writing you today about my good friend Renee Magee and the opening that you will soon be looking to appoint for the 232°d District Court, vacated by Judge Mary Lou Keels. I am asking that you consider Renee for this job. Let me give you a few reasons why:

My husband Keith and I have been friends with Rene1 'or several years. We even found out she and I share a life long friend for both ot us in a mutual triend ot whom Renee grew up with and I worked with MANY years ago. Such a small world. From the beginning I have always felt so comfortable with Renee ... you know the kind of person I'm talking about. Honest, Trustworthy , family person, hard worker, never one to shun getting down and dirty to see a job done or a wrong made right. Someone who's word was truth and something you could take to the bank. A person of high integrity and who's faith was evident from the way they talked about their spouse to the way they talked about their job and the people they worked with and of whom they served! That is Renee Magee in EVERY WAY!

And she's a local gal. Born in Texas City (one of 8 children) and raised in the Houston area, graduating High School here and completing her law degree at the University of Houston. Of course before that she represented us ALL in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal for TEAM USA. What an accomplishment!!!

I am sure that you have become familiar with her resume but before being elected to the 337th District Court, Renee had a very successful career as an Assistant District Attorney. I'm not sure what took her so long to run for the 337th, but we were delighted when she made the decision and helped her along the way in her successful campaign. Thru more hard work, which is just a bi-product of who she is, Renee made huge changes in her courtroom. She reduced pending caseloads and heard and ruled on cases in a fair and timely manner! She is extremely competent AND very well respected! In the Courtroom and also in the many other organizations she is involved in. In the 2016 Elections, as you know, Harris County lost MANY wonderful, smart, hard working LIFELONG REPUBLICAN'S! I would put Renee Magee at the very top of the list of ones so undeservedly voted out Only time will tell how Harris County will fare with so many great Judges gone.

But one thing I do know for sure. Is that a day without Renee Magee in a position of making important decisions for her constituents here in Harris County.. .is a very sad day indeed. Renee is smart , hard working, dedicated and she gives 110% to anything and everything she takes on. She would again, be a huge asset to Harris County in the role of Judge for the 232nd District Court and and I know she will make each and every one of you VERY PROUD that you made the right decision in appointing her to this post!!!

For any further questions that you might have, feel free to contact me at or on my cell at 281-923-5433 .

Sincerely,

Rae Sinor Jan Ott

7903 Alamar, Houston, TX 77095 I 281-859-6464 I [email protected]

Februa ry 9, 2017

Office of the Governor Greg Abbott David Whitley, Director Appointments Office P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Sent via email to [email protected]~:ov

Re: Letter of Recommendation for appointment of Renee Magee to 232nd District Court bench

Dear Mr. Whitley,

My name is Jan Ott and I would like to highly recommend that the Governor appoint former Judge Renee Magee to the 232mt District Court which was vacated by Judge Mary Lou Keel in the November 2016 election.

1am the founding President of Cy-Fair Republican Women, have been on the State Board of the Texas Federation ofRcpublican Women since 2008 and I am a Harris County precmct chair. I have known Renee Magee as an active Republican supporter through all of these avenues.

Judge Magee has been a member of Cy-Fair Republican Women since February 2011. I got to observe her as a candidate for the 3371h D.C. She ran an exemplary race to win the primary and then won the general election in 2012 when Obama was on the democratic ticket and only a few Republicans won in Harns County. I have talked with the Judge on numerous occasions as she participated in judicial forums hosted by many Republican clubs. 1have come to understand the passion she has shown for serving as a judge on the 337th Criminal district court for 4 years.

Judge Magee has reduced her docket considerably, clearing the caseload and continuing to impartially apply the law while not legislating from the bench. As judge, she volunteered to adopt a mental health court docket which handles low risk offenders in the criminal justice system, who are in the system due to a menlal illness and assist them in obtaining services already available 111 our community.

Sadly, in the November 2016 election the democrats swept every judicial office on the ballot for Harris County. Although in this 2016 election, she received the highest number of votes for any criminal district court Judge and the third highest of any of the judges on the ballot, in this tsunami it was not enough.

Before she was elected Judge, she was a public servant for 21 years with the Harris County District Attorney'-; office, where she prosecuted over 150 jury trials and sought justice on thousands of other cases. Plus, she is a former Olympian who swam in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal! She was named all-American four times in her swimming career and was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame in 2011.

I believe she would he an excellent choice for the 232nd District Court. I have seen that she has the mtellcct and the temperament to be an asset for the Court. This is the same type of court she served on for the last four years where she was one of only two judges who reduced their caseload over that time. She resumed trying the capital murder cases which fell inlo the court where her predecessor on the 3371h did not believe in capital punishmenl and therefore did not try capital murder cases.

I highly recommend Judge Magee for the 232nd District Cou1t. I know that Governor Abbott will be highly impressed with her public service and merits his consideration for this appointment

Sincerely, (.}a# {Gf 1'ltott TFRW Deputy President Katelyn Deibert

From: Devon Anderson Sent: Tuesday, February u,, ... u,. , o.J J /'"\1v, To: David Whitley Subject: The Honorable Renee Magee

Dear Mr. Whitley, As a former Harris County prosecutor, District Judge and District Attorney, it is my honor to recommend Judge Renee Magee for appointment to the 232nd Criminal District Court. I have had the privilege of working with Judge Magee since 1992 when we were young prosecutors at the Harris County District Attorney's Office. I was her supervisor in a misdemeanor court, when I had to take about a month off to take care of a family emergency. Judge Magee stepped up and ran the court while also managing her sizable caseload. Although we were never assigned to the same court again, I kept up with her impressive career. As a prosecutor, she was known as being a fair person who was a dogged trial attorney and excellent supervisor and teacher. She also could manage a felony court docket-a rare talent. She was not afraid to make tough decisions and was an expert at picking the cases that needed to be tried versus the ones that could be worked out, all in the name of justice. When Judge Magee decided to run for the 337th District Court, I was very pleased. In addition to her docket management skills (which are essential in Harris County where the average felony docket is 1000 cases), I knew her patience, wisdom and incredible work ethic would serve the citizens of Harris County well. That came to pass. The statistics for her court speak for themselves. Her docket was always one of the lowest in the courthouse. That' s not because she rushed cases through, but because she actively worked her docket every single day. She ensured that defendants waiting in jail for trial got priority. She tried cases just about every week-something that unfortunately can't be said for most judges. When she took the bench, her court had a backlog of about 20 capital murder cases. Judge Magee methodically worked through them by holding the lawyers accountable and forcing the cases to work out by trial or by plea. By the end of her term, she had 6 capital murder cases pending. In addition to her regular, time consuming duties, Judge Magee volunteered to run one of the mental health dockets. This is particularly challenging work for a judge, requiring a working knowledge of mental health issues and the unique challenges facing these defendants. By all accounts, Judge Magee did an excellent job with this population. After the Democratic sweep this last election, Harris County will now suffer the consequences of 8 judges who have absolutely no idea what they are doing. We need a hard working, loyal Republican judge on the bench so that at least the defendants in the 232nd will receive justice. I am pleased to answer any questions and can be reached at the number below.

Best, Devon Anderson 5867 Greencraig Dr. Houston, TX 77035 January 22, 2017

Governor Greg Abbott c/o Governor's Appointments Office P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Judge Renee Magee

Dear Governor Abbott:

I am aware that you will be making appointments to the 232"d criminal district court in Harris County this year. Judge Renee Magee was defeated in the November election, in the Democratic sweep. Judge Magee was in a Mental Health Court. She is very knowledgeab!~ about all of the resources for mentally ill people and has a good relationship with many of the providers, probations officers, and others. She was doing a great job with the defendants in her court - getting them quality help for their illness, working hard to be sure they stayed on the right side of the law, and keeping them from re-offending.

I have a and am a member of NAMI, so I am aware of the good work that Judge Magee did in her court.

There are many judicial candidates that would make good judges, but Judge Magee has special expertise and experience that is badly needed in Harris County.

I hope you will consider appointing her to one of the criminal district court benches.

Very truly yours, Q~ r l}j .J-<- Jenniter Azure

. .,,. ..,.:. Jan.21.2017 11:25 AM STONE & STONE LLC 7136667551 PAGE. 2/ 2

STONE & STONE, LLC ATTORNEYS AT LAW RECEIVED

CHRISTINA STONE JAN 2017 5212 LINDEN STREET 23 BELLAIRE, TEXAS 77401 713-666-7501 Appointments [email protected] -E1 4 23·/7

Governor Greg Abbott c/o Governor's Appointments Office By Fax P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

RE: Judge Renee Magee

Dear Governor Abbott:

I am aware that you will be making appointments to the 232°d criminal district court in Harris County this year. Judge Renee Magee was defeated in the November election, in the Democratic sweep. Judge Magee was in a Mental Health Court. She is very knowledgeable about all of the resources for mentally ill people and bas a good relationship with many of the providers, probations officers, and others. She was doing a great job with the defendants in her court - getting them quality help for their illness, working hard to be sure they stayed on the right side of the law, and keeping them from re-offending.

I do not practice in the criminal courts, but I have a _ and am a member ofNAMI, so I am aware of the good work that Judge Magee did in her court.

There are many judicial candidates that would make good judges, but Judge Magee has special expertise and experience that is badly needed in Harris County.

I hope you will consider appointing her to one of the criminal district court benches.

Very truly yours,

Christina Stone E /·30-17 4118 Milton St. RECEIVED Houston TX 77005 January 22, 2017 JAN3 0 2017 Appointments Governor Greg Abbott c/o Governor's Appointments Office P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Judge Renee Magee

Dear Governor Abbott:

I am aware that you will be making appointments to the 232nd criminal district court in Harris County this year. Judge Renee Magee was defeated in the November election, in the Democratic sweep. Judge Magee was in a Mental Health Court. She is very knowledgeable about all of the resources for mentally ill people and has a good relationship with many of the providers, probations officers, and others. She was doing a great job with the defendants in her court - getting them quality help for their illness, working hard to be sure they stayed on the right side of the law, and keeping them from re-offending.

I have a and am a member of NAMI, so I am aware of the good work that Judge Magee did ;:, her court.

There are many judicial candidates that would make good judges, but Judge Magee has special expertise and experience that is badly needed in Harris County.

I hope you will consider appointing her to one of the criminal district court benches.

Very truly yours,

Marie Monroe 4118 Milton St. Houston TX 77005 January 22, 2017

Governor Greg Abbott c/o Governor's Appointments Office P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Judge Renee Magee

Dear Governor Abbott:

I am aware that you will be making appointments to the 232nd criminal district court in Harris County this year. Judge Renee Magee was defeated in the November election, in the Democratic sweep. Judge Magee was in a Mental Health Court. She Is very knowledgeable about all of the resources for mentally ill people and has a good relationship with many of the providers, probations officers, and others. She was doing a g;-P,at job with the defendants in her court - getting them quality help for their illness, working hard to be sure they stayed on the right side of the law, and keeping them from re-offending.

I have c md am a member of NAMI, so I am aware of the good work that Judge Magee did in her court.

There are many judicial candidates that would make good judges, but Judge Magee has special expertise and experience that is badly needed in Harris County.

I hope you will consider appointing her to one of the criminal district court benches. Veryr~ truly yours , Paul Monroe I:: "i' ~llt5·/h GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR RECEIVED NOV1520 APPOINTMENT APPLICATION 16 Appointments 1. Personal Information 2. Photo ra h Full Legal Name Jesse Foster McClure, III

Preferred Name Jesse

Spouse's Name

Physical Home Address

City, State Zip

Mailing Address same

City, State Zip County Work Telephone HnmP. TP.IP.nhonP. Harris 936-444-5684 Droforrorl S::_me,il l>ddreSS State Senator Brandon Crei hton Secondarv E-Mail Address (if aoolicable) State Representative Dan Hube

232"d District Court

4 . Em p1oyment In forma ti on Employer Employer's Address Present Job Title Texas Department of Insurance 333 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas 78701 Prosecutor (Work Address: 1201 Franklin, Suite Profession 500, Houston, Texas 77002) Attorney Present Job Description Assigned to the Harris County District Attorney's Office as a Special Assistant District Attorney

Investigate and Prosecute a large docket of Financial Crimes cases with an emphasis on Insurance Fraud and Insurance- Related Offenses

Provide Guidance and Support to Financial Crimes Investigations

Revised 02/15 I Name Jesse F. McClure III

5. Ed uca1onf /T rammg . Year Degree and Type of School Name and Location of School Graduated Field of Study High School Marcos de Niza High School, Tempe, AZ 1990 H.S.

Undergraduate University ofNorth Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 1994 Honors B.A.(Philosophy)

Graduate Univeristy of Texas School of Law, Austin, TX 1999 J.D.

Other University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom NIA Study Abroad

6 . E mp oyment H"IS tOry Employer Position Dates Location Department of Homeland Security Attorney 2011-2012 Dallas, TX Tarrant County District Attorney Asst. Dist. Atty 2000-2011 Fort Worth, TX Brown McCarroll Associate Attorney 1999-2000 Austin, TX Arthur Andersen Consultant 1994-1996 Consultant

7. References Name Employer City Telephone Relationship David Mattax Texas Dept. of Ins. Austin, TX 512-676-6000 Head of Agency Kyson Johnson Texas Dept. oflns . Dallas, TX 214-886-0393 Supervisor Hon. Catherine Evans 180th District Court Houston, TX 713-755-6344 Fmr. Colleague Darrell Davila Lt. Governor Austin, TX 512-463-0001 Fmr. Colleague

Mark Einfalt Texas Dept. oflns . Austin, TX 512-676-62 l 0 3re1Line Superv.

8. Professional Memberships (including any state bar memberships) Organization Title/Position Current/Fonner State Bar of Texas Member Current Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Member Current

9. V o Iun teer Pa rf1c1pa · ti on Organization Title/Position Current/Fonner Second Baptist Church Sunday School Leadership Team Current Bible Study Fellowship Group Leader Current UTHealth Nurse Anesthesia Div. Advisory Council Public Member Current Christ Community Church Southwest Board Member Former WatchDOGS -Deerwood Elem. PTA Volutneer Current

10. MTta11 1ry Serv1ce Are you or have you ever been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States: I IYes IXINo Branch Dates of Service Type of Discharge

Revised 02/15 2 I Name Jesse Foster McClure, ID

11. Social Media Information Do you use, or have you ever used, any of the following? If "yes," provide additional information. Facebook [8J Yes D No Usemame Jesse Foster McClure III Twitter [8J Yes D No Handle @Will Provide At Interview lnstagram D Yes [8J No Usemame Linkedln [8J Yes D No Profile jesse-f-mcclure-iii

Google+ 0Yes 1:8'.1No Username

12. Spouse Information

Does your spouse conduct any business witt, nr befrirP. tt,_e__ ~IIf yes, please list agencies: Texas Legislature or any other state entity? Yes No _

Are you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest currently 0Yes No delin uent in an local, state or federal taxes? If es, ive details.

Have you ever defaulted on a personal, business or student loan? If yes give details. I I I Yes [81 No Type of Loan Date Details

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest or of which D Yes 1:8'.1No you have been an officer or principal been involved in any bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, give details including dates.

Do you currently serve, or have you ever served, on any local, state or federal government LJ Yes ~ No board commission or committee or in any elected or ao1:lointed office? Compensated Reimbursed Entity Position Dates (Y/N) (Y/N)

Revised 02/15 3 I Name Jesse F. McClure, III

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

Are ouse related to a local state or federal ublic official? YE lo N~mP. nf Offir.i~I ~net TitlP. RAl~111111~h1n

Do you or your spouse have any material interest in, or are either of you employed by, any LJ Yes ~ No company that does business with or receives funds from the State of Texas? If ves, oive full name and details: Name of Company Details

Are you or your spouse an officer, director, employee or paid Self consultant of a trade association? D Yes ~ No

If yes, please list association and position: Spouse

Have you or your spouse ever been registered as a lobbyist or received compensation to 0Yes ~ No represent someone before a local, state, or federal government? Self or Entity Represented Entity Lobbied Dates Spouse

D Yes IZINo

In the last five years, have you, or any company in which you have a material interest, been t8l Yes D No licensed bv a Texas state aoencv? If ves, oive details. Agency Type of License License# Expiration Supreme Court of Texas License to Practice Law Bar No. 24013126 NIA

Revised 02/15 4 I Name Jesse F. McClure, m

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

To the best of your knowledge, has any federal, state or local law enforcement or regulatory LJ Yes ~ No agency (on behalf of itself or any other person or entity) filed or investigated any grievance or complaint against you, your spouse, or an entity in which you have a material interest? If yes, give details and disposition (investigated, dismissed, reprimanded) Agency Date Details and Disposition

To the best of your knowledge, have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a D Yes ~ No material interest been investigated, reprimanded, fined or suspended from doing business with any state or federal agency? If yes, give details and disposition (investigated, reprimanded, fined, suspended Agency Date Details and Disposition

Have you ever been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations), placed D Yes [8J No on probation, required to perform community service, or had a criminal proceeding disposed of by pre-trial diversion, deferred prosecution, deferred adjudication, or some similar proceeding?

If yes, list the charge, the date of the offense, the city and/or county and state in which it allegedly occurred, and the disposition thereof.

Revised 02/15 5 14. Certification

Full Legal Name Jesse Foster McClure III

Date of Birth Driver License or DPS ID# I Are you a U.S. Citizen? IX!Yes LJ No I Place of Birth Sacramento, CA Date of naturalization (if not a citizen upon birth) / /

Ethnicity: (optional; check all that apply) LJ White IX!African American

D Hispanic D Asian American D Native American D Other

Notes: • Appointment to a Board or Commission may require the annual filing of a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) Form with the Texas Ethics Commission.

• A resume must be attached in order for this application to be considered complete.

• Judicial candidates must also complete a Judicial Questionnaire.

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT

Submit to: Date '

Appointments Staff (512) 463-1828 Office of the Governor (512) 475-2576 fax PO Box 12428 www.gov.texas.gov Austin, Texas 78711

[email protected] (with scanned signature page)

Revised 02/15 6 f}:)/·/7 RECEIVED

JAN3 1 2017 STATE O F TEXA S Appointments H O U S E OF REPRE S ENTATIVES KE VIN ROB ERTS January 27, 2017 Dtstrtct 126

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my great privilege to recommend Jesse McClure to fill Judge Mary Lou Keel's (232nd District Court) position as she has recently been elected to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Jesse and 1 have known each other for several years. Respected by his peers, Jesse is both dependable and a person of integrity. His experience, knowledge base and relationships in the community uniquely qualify him for the position.

Jesse has worked as a prosecutor for more than 15 years. Currently, he works for the Texas Department of Insurance out of the Harris County DA's office. He has tried all types of criminal cases including murder, DWI, and fraud. He will put his knowledge and expertise to work in making the court, and the resolution of cases more efficient.

He is well-known and well-liked in both church and community circles. He has key relationships with Houston community leaders and Republican Clubs giving him a strong advantage of winning an election post appointment.

Without a doubt I believe that Jesse McClure is the best possible choice to fill Mary Lou Keel's vacancy.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions should you wish to further discuss his qualifications.

State Representative House District 126

CAPITOL 01'1'1ct: P.O. Box 2910 • Ausrn~. TElCA> 78768 2910 • (512)463-0496 • (512)463-1507 FAX KEVl :-1.RO BERTS@HOUSE. TEXAS. GOV N l\·\'D·IL GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR RECEIVED

APPOINTMENT APPLICATION NOV1 0 2016 Appointments 1. Personal Information ra Ii Full Legal Name Merry Katherine McDaniel

Preferred Name Katherine McDaniel

Spouse 's Name

Physical Home Address

City, State Zip

Mailing Addres

City, State Zip County Work Telephone Harris 7 13-274-0380 ,... _. ._ ··-- '""-- ~ ---- _. r- --- ! 1 A-'~ ---- State Senator Paul Bettencourt

Secondarv E-Mail Ad ress (if aoo-lic_a_b_1e_)______~s-ta-te_R_e_p_re_s_e_nt_a_ti-ve--- I Debbie Riddle ---~ 3. State Board(s}, Commission(s}, or Task Force(s) of Interest to You: The list of all entities to which the Governor makes appointments may be found at: http://www. gov. tex as.gov/appointments/positions

4 Emp oyment In f ormat' ,on Employer Employer's Address Present Job Title Harris County District Attorney's Office 1201 Franklin Street, Suite # 600 Assistant District Attorney Houston, Texas Profession 77002 Attorney Presen t Job Description I am currently a felony chief prosecutor assigned to a District Court. My job duties include representing the State of Texas in capital murders from filing to verdict. I am also responsible for supervising and training two lawyers, a paralegal, an investigator, and an administrative assistant. I manage a docket of over I, 100 cases in the district court to which I am currently assigned. In that capacity, I work with the probation department to best utilize state and county resources for treatment. I also review and protest parole where appropriate. In addition, I provide continuing education for law enforcement on the advanced level primarily regarding the Fourth Amendment.

Revised 02/ 15 I Name Merry Katherine McDaniel

5 Ed ucat' 10 n/T rammg .. Degree and Type of School Name and Location of School Year Graduated Field of Study High School Tom C. Clark High School, San Antonio, Texas 1988 High School Diploma

Undergraduate University of Texas at Austin/ Boston University 1992 B.A. History I Geography

Graduate Texas Tech School of Law; Lubbock, Texas 1997 Law

Other

6. Emp oymen t H.IS t Ory Employer Position Dates Location Harris County District Attorney's Off. assistant district attorney 8/97 - present Houston, Texas Lubbock County District Attorney's Off. paid legal intern 10/95 - 4/97 Lubbock, Texas United States Attorney's Office academic intern 7/95 - 5/96 Lubbock, Texas Hurley & Sowder Law Firm paid legal intern 6/95 - 7/95 Lubbock, Texas

7. References Name Employer City Telephone Relationship Patrick C. Oxford Bracewell Law Houston 713-221-1432 professional Hon. Michael Mccaul U.S. Congress Austin 512-473-2357 professional Ted Wilson Harris County DA (ret.) Houston 832-978-3716 professional Tom Krampitz Strategic Partnerships, Inc Austin 817-528-5475 professional Hon. Brad Hart Judge, 230th Dist. Court Houston 832-622-0938 prof./personal

8. Professional Memberships (including any state bar memberships) Organization Title/Pas ition Current/Former Texas District and County Attorneys' Association member current National College of District Attorneys' Association member current National Technical Investigators' Association member, instructor current Houston Bar Association member current Association of Women Attorneys member current Texas Gang Investigators' Association member former

9 V o I un t eer Prt'·a 1c1pa t' 10n Oraanization Title/Position Current/Former Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Tours Committee member current The Woodlands United Methodist Church children's ministries, youth sports former YMCA youth soccer coach former

10 MTt11 ary s erv1ce Are you or have you ever been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States: I IYes IXINo Branch Dates of Service Type of Discharge .

Revised 02/1S 2 I Name Merry Katherine McDaniel

11. Social Media Information Do you use, or have you ever used, any of the following? If "yes," provide additional information. Username Katherine Roberts McDaniel; Facebook [8J Yes No D https://www.facebook.com/katherine.roberts.mcdaniel?ref=bookmarks Twitter D Yes [8J No Handle @ lnstagram D Yes [8J No Username Profile Katherine McDaniel; Linkedln [8J Yes D No https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mcdaniel-a65b01129 Google+ D Yes [8J No Username

12. Spouse Information "his Section Not Applicable I Snouse's Emolover I Job Title/Position

Does your spouse conduct any business with nr hefnrP the If VP.s n lP.~sP. list ~nP.nr.iP.s· I Texas Legislature or any other state entity? ei ___No ...,______.

Are you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest currently No delin uent in an local, state or federal taxes? If es, ive details.

Have you ever defaulted on a personal, business or student loan? If yes, Qive details. I I I Yes IXI No Type of Loan Date Details

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest or of which LJ Yes [8J No you have been an officer or principal been involved in any bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, Qive details includinQ dates.

Do you currently serve, or have you ever served, on any local, state or federal government LJ Yes [8J No board, commission or committee or in any elected or aooointed office? Compensated Reimbursed Entity Position Dates (YIN) (Y/N)

Revised 02/ l 5 3 j Name

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued) Are ou or ours ouse related to a local, state, or federal ublic official? Yes lo Name of Official and Title Relations hip

Do you or your spouse have any material interest in, or are either of you employed by, any ~ Yes LJ No company that does business with or receives funds from the State of Texas? If ves, give full name and details: Name of Company Details Geocell, LLC Provides law enforcment trainin£ pertainin£ to cellular devices. Cellular Evidence Services, LLC Cellular consulting and expert witnessing for law enforcement and civil matters.

Are you or your spouse an officer, director, employee or paid Self consultant of a trade association? D Yes [8J No

If yes, please list association and position: Spouse

Have you or your spouse ever been registered as a lobbyist or received compensation to LJ Yes IX! No represent someone before a local, state, or federal aovernment? Self or Entity Represented Entity Lobbied Dates Spouse

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you or your spouse have a material Yes No interest been a to liti ation? If es, ive details. ·as sued in state court as the result of an officer-involved shooting and also in a federal suit regarding police actions in the Eastern District of Texas. The state case was dismissed and my spouse was removed from the federal suit.

In the last five years, have you, or any company in which you have a material interest, been LJ Yes IX! No licensed by a Texas state agency? If yes aive details. Agency Type of License License# Expiration

Yes No [8J Not Applicable

Revised 02/ 15 4 I Name Merry Katherine McDaniel

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

Have you ever been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations), placed LJ Yes~ No on probation, required to perform community service, or had a criminal proceeding disposed of by pre-trial diversion, deferred prosecution, deferred adjudication, or some similar proceeding?

If yes, list the charge, the date of the offense, the city and/or county and state in which it allegedly occurred, and the disposition thereof.

Revised 02/15 5 14. Certification

Full Legal Name Merry Katherine McDaniel - Date of Birth Driver License or DPS ID~ Are you a U.S. Citizen? !XI Yes LJ No I Place of Birth San Antonio, Texas Date of naturalization (if not a citizen upon birth) I I Ethnicity: (optional; check all that apply) !XI White LJ African American

D Hispanic D Asian American D Native American D Other

Notes: • Appointment to a Board or Commission may require the annual filing of a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) Form with the Texas Ethics Commission.

• A resume must be attached in order for this application to be considered complete.

• Judicial candidates must also complete a Judicial Questionnaire.

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT

I hereby certify that the foregoing and any attached statements are true, accurate and complete. I agree that any misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission of a fact may result in my disqualification for appointment. I assign and hereby give the Office of the Governor full authority to conduct background Investigations pertinent to this application. I specifically authorize the Texas Department of Public Safety to conduct a background investigation and to disclose the results of that investigation to the Governor or his authorized representative.

Applicant's Signature

11/10/2016

Submit to: Date

Appointments Staff (512) 463-1828 Office of the Governor (512) 475-2576 fax PO Box 12428 www.gov.texas.gov Austin, Texas 78711

[email protected] (with scanned signature page)

Revised 02/15 6 Texas Patrick Oxford BRACEWELL New York Chairman Washington, DC &GIULIANI Connecticut 713.221 .1432 Office Seattle 713.224.8868 Fax Dubai RECEIVED London [email protected]

Bracewell LLP FEBO 9 2017 711 Louisiana Street Suite 2300 Houston, Texas Appointments 77002-2770 f 1·9·\l February 6, 2017

David Whitley, Director of Appointments Office of Governor Greg Abbott P.O. Box 12428 Austin, TX 78711

Dear David,

Please consider this note my unqualified endorsement of the application of Katherine McDaniel to be appointed to a criminal district court judge here in Harris County. Although I've never seen Ms. McDaniel try a case, I have spoken to several of her prosecutor colleagues, including the former District Attorney, Devon Anderson, and to understate it somewhat, she enjoys a stainless reputation among her peers.

I have known Katherine personally for many years as she is a distant "cousin-in-law" of my wife. She is poised, direct and knowledgeable.

Thank you for considering her application favorably, and thank you for you service to our great state.

All the best going forward, David.

Patrick C. Oxford Qtnngre.11.snf t}fe lllniteik ~fate.a l !bt.alfington, ilC!t20515

Governor's Appointments Office 1100 San Jacinto Street Austin, Texas 78701

Governor Abbott,

I am writing to express my support for one of my constituents, Katherine McDaniel, for the next appointment to a Criminal District Court in Harris County. Katherine was a prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney's Office for nearly-twenty years and has dedicated her life to public service. As a former prosecutor myself, I can attest that Katherine has an impressive career spanning over nineteen years of extensive experience at all levels. Further, I know that she recently ran a vigorous campaign for a Criminal District Court bench in Harris County. As a result, I am confident that she is well-prepared to not only perform the duties of Criminal District Court Judge, but also to campaign successfully.

I would also like to add that I do not make my recommendations lightly. In fact, I ensure that I not only look thoroughly into the backgrounds of those I recommend, but I require that I meet with those I recommend personally. And, I can tell you that after meeting with Katherine, she is well-qualified on all levels.

Katherine has impressive prosecutorial achievements- advocating for victims from all walks of life. Her assertiveness in the courtroom has served the interests of the community and justice. I have also learned of her compassion for victims. I learned of her distinctive trial skills in a gang homicide in which she successfully persuaded hardened MS-13 gang members to testify by visiting them in their home territories over the course of a year. In that case, Katherine obtained an impressive 75-year prison sentence and was subsequently celebrated in an article in the Sunday Houston Chronicle.

Given her unique and extensive experiences and devotion to public service that uniquely qualifies her for the position, I am proud to recommend Katherine McDaniel for an appointment as a Criminal District Court Judge. If selected, I am confident that she will continue to serve the great State of Texas with distinction for many years to come with distinction. I thank you for your consideration in this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact my staff or me if we may be of assistance in any way.

Sincerely,

The Hon. Michael McCaul United States House of Representatives The 10thDistrict of Texas

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER TERRENCE A. GAISER ~ (U2zw /l.900 9 ~ ~ 9 ut.UJ/l/lO ~~ df"em6 77006 (71~ /l/lS-0666'

January 3, 2017

Hon. David Whitley Director of Appointments Office of the Governor P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Katherine McDaniel; Candidate for Judge, 23200 District Court, Harris County, Texas

Dear Mr. Whitley:

1bis letter is written on behalf of Ms. Katherine McDaniel who has applied for an appointment as judge of the 23200 District Court here in Harris County. I have practiced criminal defense law here since 1972 and had the privilege of practicing before her predecessor, Hon. Mary Lou Keel, in that Court.

I have known Ms. McDaniel since she started her career as a prosecutor. So, of course, part of my experience with her has been on the opposite side of the bar, but I must commend her to you as a highly principled, knowledgeable professional, who would be a great asset to the Harris County judiciary. As you know, during the last election cycle the Harris County Bar lost some of our best judges in the Democratic sweep. I believe Ms. McDaniel's appointment could help make up for that loss.

Whatever decision is made, I hope you will keep Ms. McDaniel in mind. Thank you in advance for your consideration. f {,5·/7

P Cl BOX 2910 D EBBIE RIDDLE 17207Kl'YKENDAHL.~lllTE HJS AUSTIN. T X 78768-29 10 ~PRING. TX n379 dl:'bt,i11.m1dlt'41houS11.st,\lt1.b.. u~ STATE REPRESENTATIVE (281) 2574222 D1S1R1CT 150

David Whitley, Director of Appointments RECEIVED Office of the Governor PO Box 12428 JANO 5 2017 Austin, Texas 78711 Appointments

Governor Abbott:

I am delighted to be called upon to express my enthusiastic support for Katherine McDaniel as she seeks appointment to the 232nd District Court. I have personally known Katherine anc 'or many years, both professionally and personally. Katherine is a senior prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, with over nineteen years of public service.

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you why she is the best candidate for this judicial appointment. In her dedication to public service, Katherine has a wide variety of experience. As a member of the Texas House of Representatives, I have noted Katherine's willingness to address loopholes in statutes. A good example is Texas Penal Code Section 36.05, Tampering With a Witness. As a gang prosecutor in the Major Offenders Division, Katherine saw first-hand the problems with witnesses availability. Witnesses in these gang cases are often members of the same neighborhood as those who are committing acts of violence. Understandably, these witnesses are often reluctant to cooperate. In some instances, these witnesses would absent themselves from proceedings after receiving some threat or benefit on behalf of another gang member. This amendment to the statute eliminated the incentive for gang members to attempt to influence witnesses. Prior to the change in this law, it was a calculated risk on behalf of the gang-for one member to avoid a murder or other first degree conviction and another to simply risk a state jail felony. Now, that threat or promise of benefit is commensurate with the offense for which they are tampering.

Katherine is a national expert in the field of search and seizure. In her capacity as a prosecutor in the major offenders division, she became interested in the law pertaining to communications intelligence. As early as 2001, Katherine began working with the law enforcement to better understand and utilize technical tools for the apprehension and prosecution of dangerous offenders. Katherine's mastery of these highly complicated laws and their application cannot be overstated. Katherine's extensive knowledge of the Fourth Amendment and pertinent search and seizure law make her uniquely qualified for a felony district court. In virtually every case, search and seizure may be a litigated issue. Knowing and understanding the current law translates to cases that are not reversed and that are handled expeditiously.

"AC'TIVELY WORKIN<, FOR DISTRICT 1,;o· In addition to Katherine's many successes as a prosecutor, it is important to note that in my opinion, Katherine's temperament and demeanor make her well-suited for the bench. I have known Katherine and n many capacities, from political meetings to legislative efforts and I find her to be reserved and articulate in her decisions. I also know that through her work, she has volunteered with the drug court program, wherein low-level drug offenders are provided with a structured environment and strategies for successful living.

Katherine's extensive experience and knowledge, along with her patient demeanor and dedication to public service make her uniquely qualified for this appointment. I give Katherine my highest recommendation, without reservation. I have every confidence that Katherine will be a great addition to the judiciary. I will be pleased to answer any additional questions you may have.

Debbie Riddle State Representative District 150 December 21, 2016

Mr. David Whitley, Director of Appointments Office of the Governor P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Dear Sir:

Thank you for this opportunity to recommend Katherine McDaniel for appointment as District Court Judge in the State of Texas. In my capacity as the President of the National Technical Investigators' Association, I have observed that Katherine is a nationally recognized expert in the field of search and seizure and specifically, as it relates to electronic surveillance. She has a broad range of skills, from her legal knowledge to her willingness to assist law enforcement.

By way of background, the National Technical Investigators' Association (NATIA) is a professional association of federal, state and local law enforcement officers, as well as military personnel, who are engaged in the use of electronic surveillance in :furtherance of the various missions of their agencies. As a member of NATIA for over 20 years, I am acutely aware of the need for our members to keep up with the constant evolution of electronic surveillance law. Since 2010, Katherine has provided instruction at NATIA national conferences and chapter meetings throughout the United States.

At several NATIA conferences and chapter meetings, I have had the opportunity to attend Katherine's classes. I have been impressed not only with her knowledge of electronic surveillance law, but also her ability to translate and communicate the nuances of the 4 th Amendment to practitioners of electronic surveillance. In particular, Katherine has an impressive knowledge of wiretap law, not only at the state level but the federal level as well. Her willingness to share this knowledge has been a benefit to many NATIA members across the country.

In my role as the President of NATIA, I also have the pleasure of interacting with a wide variety of law enforcement officers from many agencies. I know that officers from California, North Carolina, and other states have contacted Mrs. McDaniel for assistance with their investigations and to check on the current status of various electronic surveillance laws. These laws have a wide range of applicability, including wiretaps, cell phone forensics, geographic tracking of cell phones, and the use of mobile tracking devices. She has gone above and beyond the norm in providing guidance to law enforcement agencies not only in the State of Texas but also throughout the country. I have learned from respected members of the law enforcement community in Texas about some of Katherine' s accomplishments pertaining to electronic surveillance. In my opinion, lawfully authorized electronic sUFVeillance is a valuable tool that allows law enforcement agencies to build strong cases, pursue justice, and improve public safety. I believe Katherine's willingness to master not only the legal aspects of electronic surveillance but also the practical, hands on application, have provided valuable support to the missions of a variety of law enforcement agencies. For example, working on a wiretap with personnel from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Katherine ensured that a proper affidavit and supporting documents were prepared and submitted for judicial review and authorization. Taking it to the next step, Katherine was persistent in making sure the communications intercept was operated in accordance with the provisions of Texas law and the wiretap order. This was followed by diligent prosecution of those arrested during the investigation. Foilowing the investigation, Katherine took it upon herself to draft an "Intercept Handbook" in an effort to enhance the efficiency of future investigations.

I have also learned that Katherine is the author of a variety of court order templates used throughout Harris County and the State of Texas, including those for pen registers, cell phone geo-location, and mobile tracking devices. Electronic surveillance laws are challenging to navigate and, in drafting the language for these court orders, Katherine has provided a valuable service to Texas law enforcement agencies. Katherine was able to guide law enforcement in the use of these orders to dismantle a criminal gang on the east side of Houston. In a multi-layered investigation, law enforcement agencies targeted this violent gang that was responsible for committing multiple murders, rapes, robberies, and other assorted felonies in the community. In order to build the case, Katherine guided the use of technical search warrants for communications devices when gang members were arrested in unrelated incidents. This provided more intelligence on the gang and information on their whereabouts and contacts. As a result of the investigation, the gang was disbanded, with some of the highest-ranking members incarcerated for capital murder, rape, aggravated robbery, and tampering with a witness. Without Katherine's knowledge, persistence, and leadership, these offenders would have continued to terrorize the streets of Houston.

In summary, I would not hesitate to describe Katherine McDaniel as an expert in electronic surveillance law and the 4th Amendment. I believe her experience as a prosecutor and educator uniquely qualify her for the bench. It is, therefore, my pleasure to recommend Katherine McDaniel for appointment to the position of District Court Judge.

I would be happy to provide you with additional information, if needed. Please feel free to contact me at 240-876-2151 or

Sincerely, ~£:?~! National Technical Investigators' Association 11/28/2016 ••• Long, Lance 310 Bay land A venue, Houston, TX 77009

David Whitley, Director of Appointments Office of Governor Gregg Abbott P.O. Box 12428 Austin, TX 78711

Re: Katherine McDaniel

Mr. Whitley,

I wholeheartedly support the appointment of Katherine McDaniel lo the 232"d District Court of Harris County, Texas. I have been employed as an assistant district attorney with the Harris County District Attorney's Office since 1991. Katherine started working here in 1997. I have watched Katherine grow from a young prosecutor to where she is today, as one of the most talented prosecutors in our office. My position is unique in that I have been her contemporary, her supervisor, and, most recently, her co-counsel during a death penalty trial.

During her career as an assistant district attorney, Katherine has always been passionate about seeking justice. She has rotated through positions responsible for prosecuting violent gang crimes, homicides, and members of drug trafficking organizations. She has never backed down from a challenge.

One area where she has excelled is in her knowledge of the laws regarding electronic communications. The federal and state laws governing pen registers, trap and trace devices, wiretaps, and mobile tracking devices are among the most complicated ones that exist in criminal law. Very few prosecutors or criminal defense attorneys in this State have a decent grasp of them. Katherine has more than a grasp; she is an expert.

I supervised Katherine from 2013-14. She was the chief prosecutor assigned to the 232nd District Court. Without a doubt, Katherine was my most trusted chief. I never questioned her judgment. And that included her judgment about how to fairly handle a case as well as her judgment supervising prosecutors junior to her. I could always count on her to be prepared. There were many times when I found myself running different scenarios by her when I needed a sounding board. She definitely made my life as a supervisor much easier. Harris County Di"trict Attorney's Office • • •

In 2013 I became responsible for the re-trial of William Michael Mason. Mason was originally convicted of the capital murder of his wife in 1991 and he was sentenced to death. The death verdict was reversed in 2013. I knew immediately that I wanted Katherine to try the case with me. In fact, once she agreed to help me she took over as the lead lawyer on the case. Katherine worked tirelessly in finding all of the witnesses from the original trial. She dug until she could find every record that existed about Mason. She kept in constant contact with the victim's family. I travelled all around the State with Katherine interviewing the original witnesses as well as various employees of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice who had the misfortune of having contact with the defendant. We started jury selection in the case in October 2015 and completed the trial the next month. The jury returned a verdict of death in less than 30 minutes.

I have been involved in multiple capital murder prosecutions. During my 25 years of practice I have never seen a jury return such a serious verdict so quickly. I believe that the main reason for the verdict was Katherine's preparation and drive. She dedicated herself to seeking justice for the victim and her family.

In conclusion, Katherine has worked tirelessly and with a purpose in every position she has held as a prosecutor. I am confident that she will work every bit as hard as a judge. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. She will be fair to both sides. She will treat all parties with the respect that they deserve. You cannot go wrong by appointing Katherine to the bench. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me directly at

Sincerely,

Long, Lance Assistant District Attorney Harris County District Attorney's Office

Long, Lanct> • 2 /:/1:c J4,t ~'vso Jo DearSir, "1,o,a. l0/1 Otl'Jt, t. ~ el'Jts InAugust of 2010,an investigationInto a cocainedistribution organization based In the Katy/Brookshire ~O ·/ 7 areathat I wasworking developed into a largerInvestigation . I believedthat the investigationcould be successfulvia the use of a statewire intercept.I presentedthis investigationto HamsCounty ADA KatherineMcDaniel. Prior to that timeI hadworked with Katherine on othernarcotics Investigations and knewher to be a highlymotivated , competentLawyer.

Uponcareful rev iew of my investigationKatherine agreed to workalongside me in the investigation.It shouldbe notedthat at the time of the investigation,a statewire intercepthad not beenexecuted by the DPSNarcotics Serv ice sincethe year2000 . Duringthe documentdrafting process Katherine exhibited greattenacity, tact, and patience as we workedwith the DPSCommand Staff, to indudeDPS Director StevenMccraw . Katherineass istedme in the prioritizationthe goals of the investigationand the creation of an organizedoperational plan . WithKatherine's assistance, I receivedfrom my chainof command, additionalmanpower that includedan assignedanalyst , co-caseagents, team leaders, and additional agents. Togetherwe developedand created a detaHedwritten operational plan that includedinformation on the organization'sbackground, suspects, vehicles, and locations, as well as operationalprocedures , report writingprocedures, and points of contact. Katherineand I createdschedules for wire roommonitor teams andsurveillance teams that wereoperationally effective and remainedflexible for the agents.As a resultof the organizedoperational plan, upon activation of the wireIntercept , Katherineand I successfullymanaged the investigationand met its goals.

In the contextof the interceptand manyother i nvestigations,I learned that Katherinewas the authorof the penreg istersand mobile tracking orders that are currentlyused statewide. The Texas law regarding pen registers,geolocation orders , and historicalcen site warrantsIs a challengeto navigate.Katherine has exhibiteda masteryof thesestatutes, and hasput that knowledgeto usefor law enforcementstatewide .

KatherineconsistenUy exhibits integrity , professionalism,and perseverance. On August5th 1823, Stephen F. Austindeemed 10 men"Rangers• to "range•across the countryside for "thecommon good .• Without question,a stronginterest in the commongood Is somethingthat Katherineand StephenF havein common.

Sincerely,

CompanyA - Houston N \ .uv\l GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR RECEIVED APPOINTMENT APPLICATION JAN04 Wl7

1. Personal Information Full Legal Name William Grayson Moore ID

Preferred Name Bill Moore

Spouse's Name

Physical Home Address

City, State Zip

Mailing Addres

City, State Zip County Work Telephone Home T eleohone Harris 713-899-4469 Preferred E-mail Ada, ~:s:s State Senator Lar Taylor Secondary E-Mail Address (if applicable) State Representative Dennis Paul

4 . E mp oymen ti n f ormati on Employer Employer's Address Present Job Title Harris County District Attorney 1201 Franklin, Suite 600 Retired Houston, Texas 77002 Profession Assistant District Attorney Present Job Description Last position held: Major Fraud Division Chief

Revised 02/15 I Name Bill Moore

5 . Ed ucat1on /T rammg.. Year Degree and Type of School Name and Location of School Graduated Field of Study High Schoo l Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, NJ 1981 High School Diploma

Undergraduate Villanova University, Villanova, PA 1985 BA Political Science

Graduate Texas Tech School of Law, Lubbock, Texas 1988 Doctor of Jurisprudence Other

6 E mp oyment H'IS t Ory Employer Position Dates Location Harris County District Attorney Assistant District Attorney 1988-2016 Houston, Texas

7. References Name Employer City Telephone Relationship Bert Graham HCDA- Retired Houston 713-882-7473 Supervisor Terry Yates Yates Law Firm Houston 713-818-1444 Friend/Lawyer Judge Mary Lou Keel 232nd District Court Houston 713-755-6778 Judge Judge Susan Brown 1851n District Court Houston 713-755-6362 Judge Dennis Paul Texas Rep District 129 Houston 281-415-5852 Friend

8. Professional Memberships (including any state bar memberships) Oraanization Title/Position Current/Former State Bar of Texas Member Current Texas District & Countv Attorneys Association Member Current Houston Bar Association Member Current

9 . V o Iun t eer Pa rf1c1pa · f 10n Oraanization Title/Position Current/Former Little League Baseball Manager Former Pony Lea!rue Baseball Coach Former Pine Brook Community Association Treasurer Former

10. MTta11 ry Serv1ce Are vou or have you ever been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States : I IYes I INo Branch Dates of Service Type of Discharae

Revised 02/15 2 I Name Bill Moore

11. Social Media Information Do you use, or have you ever used, any of the following? If "yes," provide additional information.

Facebook ~ Yes D No Username wgmoorelll Twitter ~ Yes D No Handle @wmoore 115 lnstagram 0Yes ~ No Username Linkedln 0Yes ~ No Profile Google+ 0Yes ~ No Username

12. Spouse Information This Section Not A licable I ~nn11sP.'s Fmolover

Does your spouse conduct any business with nr heforP the If ves. olease list aaencies: Texas Legislature or any other state entity? 'es ___No ...______

Are you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest currently No delin uent in an local, state or federal taxes? If es, ive details.

Have you ever defaulted on a personal, business or student loan? If yes, give details. 1 1 IYes ~No Type of Loan Date Details

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest or of which 0Yes ~ No you have been an officer or principal been involved in any bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, aive details includina dates.

Do you currently serve, or have you ever served, on any local, state or federal government LJ Yes ~ No board, commission or committee or in any elected or appointed office? Compensated Reimbursed Entity Position Dates (YIN) (YIN)

Revised 02/15 3 I Name Bill Moore

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

Are you or your spouse related to a local state or federal public official? r'es Name of Official and Title I Relationship ~ I

Do you or your spouse have any material interest in, or are either of you employed by, any 0Yes ~ No company that does business with or receives funds from the State of Texas? If yes, give full name and details: Name of Company Details

Are you or your spouse an officer, director, employee or paid Self consultant of a trade association? D Yes [gl No

If yes, please list association and position: Spouse

Have you or your spouse ever been registered as a lobbyist or received compensation to [J Yes ~ No represent someone before a local, state, or federal government? Self or Entity Represented Entity Lobbied Dates Spouse

Yes [gl No

In the last five years, have you, or any company in which you have a material interest, been LJ Yes [gl No licensed bv a Texas state aQencv? If ves, Qive details. Agency Type of License License# Expiration

Have ou ever been delin uent in child su Yes No D Not Applicable

Revised02/15 4 I Name Bill Moore

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

To the best of your knowledge, has any federal, state or local law enforcement or regulatory Yes No . agency (on behalf of itself or any other person or entity) filed or investigated any grievance or complaint against you, your spouse, or an entity in which you have a material interest? If ive details and dis osition investi ated, dismissed, re rimanded Date Details and Dis osition

To the best of your knowledge, have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a U Yes IX! No material interest been investigated, reprimanded, fined or suspended from doing business with any state or federal agency? If yes, give details and disposition (investigated, reprimanded, fined suspended Agency Date Details and Disposition

Have you ever been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations), placed U Yes ~ No on probation, required to perform community service, or had a criminal proceeding disposed of by pre-trial diversion, deferred prosecution, deferred adjudication, or some similar proceeding?

If yes, list the charge, the date of the offense, the city and/or county and state in which it allegedly occurred, and the disposition thereof.

Revised 02/15 5 14. Certification

Full Legal Name William Grayson Moore III Date of Birth l lriver License or DPS ID#i Are you a U.S. Citizen? IX!Yes LJ No I Place of Birth Honolulu, Hawaii Date of naturalization (if not a citizen upon birth) I I

Ethnicity: (optional; check all that apply) IX!White LJ African American

D Hispanic D Asian American D Native American D Other

Notes: • Appointment to a Board or Commission may require the annual filing of a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) Form with the Texas Ethics Commission.

• A resume must be attached in order for this application to be considered complete.

• Judicial candidates must also complete a Judicial Questionnaire.

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT

December 31, 2016

Submit to: Date

Appointments Staff (512) 463-1828 Office of the Governor (512) 475-2576 fax PO Box 12428 www.gov.texas.gov Austin, Texas 78711

Revised 02/IS 6 GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR h E

APPOINTMENT APPLICATION NOV1 4 2016

1. Personal Information Full Legal Name Ryan Kelley Goeb Patrick

Preferred Name Ryan

Spouse's Name

Physical Home Address

City, State Zi~

Mailing Address Same

City, State Zip County Work Telephone l-lnmo Tolonhnno Harri.s 713-755-6332 r.,::,11111::u Pr,::,f,::,rrPrl 1=-m~il Arlrlr,::,c::c:: State Senator P. Bettencourt ,~vOTToarv c - rvrar ddres!:>111 dfJf.Jlll.,du1c1 State Representative J. Mur h

3. State Board(s), Commission(s), or Task Force(s) of Interest to You: The list of all entities to which the Governor makes appointments may be found at: http.llwww. gov texas. gov/appointments/positions

Harris County District Court

4 . Emp1oymen t In f ormaf 10n Employer Employer's Address Present Job Title State of Texas 1201 Frankli.n, 19~ Floor Judae Houston, TX 77002 Profession leaal Present Job Description Judge of the 177~ Di.stri.ct Court

Revised 02/15 I Name Ryan Patrick

5 Ed uca1onf IT rammg.. Degree and Type of School Name and Location of School Year Graduated Field of Study HighSchool James E Taylor - Katy, TX 1997

Undergraduate Baylor - Waco, TX 2001 BBA Graduate South Texas College of Law - Houston, TX 2006 JD Other

6. Emp oyment H",story Employer Position Dates Location Harri.s Countv DA Assi.stant DA 2006-2012 Houston Texas Judae 2012- Houston

7. References Name Employer City Telephone Relationship Todd Keagle USAO Del Ri.o 281-630-2995 Former ADA James Stafford Self/ Def Att Houston 713-228-3600 Defense Atty Hon Susan Brown State of Texas Houston 713-755-6358 Admi.n Jude Hoover Slovacek Houston 713-977-5656 Fri.end

state bar membershi s Title/Position Current/Former

9. Volunteer Partici ation Title/Pos ltion

10. MTt11 ary serv1ce Are you or have you ever been a member of the Armed Forces of the UnitedStates : I IYes IXINo Branch Dates of Service Type of Discharae

Revised 02/15 2 I Name Ryan Patrick

11. Social Media Information Do you use, or have you ever used, any of the following? If "yes," provide additional information.

Facebook ~Ye s D No Usemame ryanpatri.ck177 Twitter ~Y es D No Handle @ryanpatri.ck177 lnstagram ~Y es D No Usemame rpjudge Linkedln ~Y es D No Profile ryan - patri.ck - 02101836 Google+ 0Yes ~ No Usemame

12. Sipouse In f ormaf 10n Th.IS S ec1onf N0 t A.p picaI" bl e Soouse's Emolover lnh Titlc/Pncitinn

Does your spouse conduct any business witt, nr before tt,e If VP.~ nlP.~~A li~t ~nAnr.ip~ · Texas Legislature or any other state entity? --Yes No 13. Miscellaneous Information Note: "Material interest" is defined as (a) serving on the governing board of directors or (b) a ten (10) percent or greater ownership. This does not apply to any mutual funds in which you do not exercise authori in investment decisions.

Are you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest currently No delin uent in an local, state or federal taxes? If es, ive details.

Have you ever defaulted on a personal, business or student loan? If yes, give details. 11 I Yes IX] No Type of Loan Date Details

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest or of which U Yes~ No you have been an officer or principal been involved in any bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, give details including dates.

Do you currently serve, or have you ever served, on any local, state or federal government ~ Yes U No board, commission or committee or in anv elected or aooointed office? Compensated Reimbursed Entity Position Dates (YIN) (YIN) Harri.s Countv Pct Chai.r Pct Chair 2005-2008 N N Di.st Court Judae J1ulae 2012- y y

Revised 02/ l 5 3 IName Ryan Patrick

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

Are ouse related to a local, state, or federal ublic official? (es \Jo Name of Official and Title Relatlonshio

Do you or your spouse have any material interest in, or are either of you employed by, any LJ Yes !XINo company that does business with or receives funds from the State of Texas? If yes, Qive full name and details: Name of Company Details

Are you or your spouse an officer, director, employee or paid Self consultant of a trade association? D Yes ~ No

If yes, please list association and position: Spouse

Have you or your spouse ever been registered as a lobbyist or received compensation to LJ Yes 12$1No represent someone before a local, state, or federal government? Self or Entity Represented Entity Lobbied Dates Spouse

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you or your spouse have a material Yes No interest been a to liti ation? If es, ive details. Small claims case in 2015 against a lady who never returned clothes she was embroiderin for

In the last five years, have you, or any company in which you have a material interest, been LJ Yes !XINo licensed by a Texas state agency? If yes, oive details. Agency Type of License License# Expiration

Have ou ever been delin uent in child su Yes No ~ Not Applicable Revised 02/15 4 ! Name Ryan Patrick

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

To the best of your knowledge, has any federal, state or local law enforcement or regulatory U Yes 161No agency (on behalf of itself or any other person or entity) filed or investigated any grievance or complaint against you, your spouse, or an entity in which you have a material interest? If yes, give details and disposition {investigated, dismissed, reprimanded) Agency Date Details and Disposition

To the best of your knowledge, have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a UYes ~ No material interest been investigated, reprimanded, fined or suspended from doing business with any state or federal agency? If yes, give details and disposition (investigated, reprimanded, fined, suspended Aaencv Date Details and Disposition

Have you ever been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations), placed UYes ~ No on probation, required to perform community service, or had a criminal proceeding disposed of by pre-trial diversion, deferred prosecution, deferred adjudication, or some similar proceeding?

If yes, list the charge, the date of the offense, the city and/or county and state in which it alleQedlv occurred, and the disposition thereof.

Revised 02/15 5 14. Certification

Full Legal Name Ryan Patrick - Date of Birth Driver License or DPS ID#

Are you a U.S. Citizen? ~ Yes LJ No I Place of Birth Washington, DC Date of naturalization (if not a citizen upon birth) I I Ethnicity: (optional; check all that apply) ~ White LJ African American

D Hispanic D Asian American D Native American D Other

Notes: • Appointment to a Board or Commission may require the annual filing of a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) Form with the Texas Ethics Commission.

• A resume must be attached in order for this application to be considered complete.

• Judicial candidates must also complete a Judicial Questionnaire.

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT

I hereby certify that the foregoing and any attached statements are true, accurate and complete. I agree that any misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission of a fact may result in my disqualification for appointment. I assign and hereby give the Office of the Governor full authority to conduct background investigations pertinent to this application. I specifically authorize the Texas rtment of Public Safety to conduct a background investigation and t 1sclose t results of that investigation to the Governor or his authorized re esentative...... ______

Submit to: Date / /

Appointments Staff (512) 463-1828 Office of the Governor (512) 475-2576 fax PO Box 12428 www.gov.texas.gov Austin, Texas 78711

Rcvi~02/ 15 N l·~·\l GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR RECEIVED APPOINTMENT APPLICATION JANO 9 2017

hAppointments 1. Personal Information Full Legal Name Julian Ramirez

Preferred Name

Spouse's Name

Physical Home Address

City, State Zip

Mailing Address

City, State Zip County Work Telephone Harris 832-292-1710 Preferred E-mail Address State Senator J. Huffman Secondary E-Mail Address (if applicable) State Representative S. Davis

3. State Board(s), Commission(s), or Task Force(s) of Interest to You: The list of all entities to which the Governor makes appointments may be found at: http:llwww.gov.texas.gov/appointmentslpos1tJons

Judge, 232"d District Court (Harris County) Commission on Law Enforcement

4 . E mpoymenti nf ormaf 10n Employer Employer's Address Present Job Title Self-employed 9320 Oakford Ct. Attorney Houston, TX Profession 77024 Attorney Present Job Description Attorney at law

Revised 02/15 I Name Julian Ramirez

5 . Ed uca10f nfTrammg .. Degree and Type of School Name and Location of School Year Graduated Field of Study High School Lamar Consolidated, Rosenberg, TX 1982 received diploma

Undergraduate University of Texas at Austin 1986 B. A. Liberal Arts, Plan Il

Graduate University of Texas at Austin 1989 Law

Other

6. Emp1oymen t H"IS t Ory Employer Position Dates Location Harris County District Attorney's Office Assistant District Attorney 1989-2016 Houston, TX

7. References Name Employer City Telephone Relationship Hon. Belinda Hill retired Houston 713-882-3652 professional Paul Comstock Paul Comstock Partners Houston 713-443-7443 personal Wayne Hill Hill Criminal Defense Houston 713-446-1039 professional Ron Barrow LUOIL Houston 281-345-8174 personal Orlando Sanchez Harris County Treasurer Houston 713-755-5120 personal

8. Professional Memberships (including any state bar memberships} Organization Title/Position Current/Former Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Subscribing Member current State Bar of Texas member current Texas District and County Attorneys Association member current

9 . VIo unteer p art1c1paf 10n Oraanization Title/Position Current/Former Memorial Park 151 Ward Bishopric, LOS Church Second Counselor current Memorial Park 151 Ward Mission Leader Mission Leader former Copperfield Ward Bishopric Councilor First Counselor former Katv Texas Stake High Council High Councilor former Boy Scouts of America Den Leader; Chartered Org. Rep. current Trotter YMCA vouth sports soccer coach former

10. MT11tary serv1ce Are you or have you ever been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States: I IYes IXINo Branch Dates of Service Type of Discharae

Revised02/ 15 2 I Name Julian Ramirez

11. Social Media Information Do you use, or have you ever used, any of the following? If ''yes," provide additional information.

Facebook [81Yes D No Username Julian Ramirez

Twitter [81Yes D No Handle @jrcd98

lnstagram D Yes [81 No Username

Linkedln [81Yes D No Profile Julian Ramirez

Google+ [81Yes D No Username Julian Ramirez

12. Spouse Information This Section Not Applicable I ~n"1 u:,o ' c i=mnl"uor I Job Title/Position

Does your spouse conduct any business witti nr bef0ro the I If \IA~ nlA~~A li~t ~nAnr.iA~ · Texas Legislature or any other state entity? Yes No

13. Miscellaneous Information Note: "Material interest'' is defined as (a) serving on the governing board of directors or (b) a ten (10) percent or greater ownership. This does not apply to any mutual funds in which you do not exercise authorit in investment decisions. Have Yes No

Are you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest currently D Yes No delin uent in an local, state or federal taxes? If es, ive details.

Have you ever defaulted on a personal, business or student loan? If yes, give details. I I I Yes IXI No Type of Loan Date Details

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest or of which LJ Yes ~ No you have been an officer or principal been involved in any bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, give details including dates.

Do you currently serve, or have you ever served, on any local, state or federal government D Yes [81No board, commission or committee or in any elected or ap :>ointed office? Compensated Reimbursed Entity Position Dates (YIN) (Y/N)

Revised 02/IS 3 I Name Julian Ramirez

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

Are ouse related to a local state or federal ublic official? Yes No Name of Official and Title Relationship

Do you or your spouse have any material interest in, or are either of you employed by, any D Yes 161No company that does business with or receives funds from the State of Texas? If ves, aive full name and details: Name of Company Details

Are you or your spouse an officer, director, employee or paid Self consultant of a trade association? D Yes [8J No

If yes, please list association and position: Spouse

Have you or your spouse ever been registered as a lobbyist or received compensation to LJ Yes 161No represent someone before a local, state, or federal Qovernment? Self or Entity Represented Entity Lobbied Dates Spouse

D Yes [8J No

In the last five years, have you, or any company in which you have a material interest, been D Yes [8J No licensed bv a Texas state aaencv? If ves, aive details. Agency Type of License License# Expiration

Yes No D Not Applicable

Revised 02/15 4 I Name Julian Ramirez

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

To the best of your knowledge, has any federal, state or local law enforcement or regulatory Yes No agency {on behalf of itself or any other person or entity) filed or investigated any grievance or complaint against you, your spouse, or an entity in which you have a material interest? If ive details and dis osition investi ated, dismissed, re rimanded

To the best of your knowledge, have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a LJ Yes IZI No material interest been investigated, reprimanded, fined or suspended from doing business with any state or federal agency? If yes, give details and disposition {investigated, reprimanded, fined, suspended Agency Date Details and Disposition

If yes, list the charge, the date of the offense, the city and/or county and state in which it allegedly occurred, and the disposition thereof.

Revised 02/15 5 14. Certification

Full Legal Name Julian Ramirez Date of Birth l Driver License or DPS ID# Are you a U.S. Citizen?~ Yes LJ No I Place of Birth East Bernard, TX Date of naturalization (if not a citizen upon birth) / / Ethnicity: (optional; check all that apply) LJ White LJ African American

[8J Hispanic D Asian American D Native American D Other

Notes: • Appointment to a Board or Commission may require the annual filing of a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) Form with the Texas Ethics Commission.

• A resume must be attached in order for this application to be considered complete.

• Judicial candidates must also complete a Judicial Questionnaire.

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT

I hereby certify that the foregoing and any attached statements are true, accurate and complete. I agree that any misstatement, misrepresentation, or omission of a fact may result in my disqualification for appoinbnent I assign and hereby give the Office of the Governor full authority to conduct background investigations pertinent to this application. I specifically authorize the Texas Department of Public Safety to conduct a background investigation and to disclose the results of

that investigation to the Governor or his auth nzed ~ esentative.

gnature

0;) /,7

Submit to: Date

Appointments Staff (512) 463-1828 Office of the Governor (512) 475-2576 fax PO Box 12428 www.gov.texas.gov Austin, Texas 78711

[email protected] (with scanned signature page)

Revised 02/15 6 LAl ·25·/7 GOVERNOR GREG ABB01f c~,,,,~ OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR ~i!J D 20 APPOINTMENT APP LI CATION ~/)/Jo,~1tn 11 el]ts

1. Personal Information Full Legal Name oo

Preferred Name Kristin M. Guiney

Spouse's Name

Physical Home Address______, City, State Zip

Mailing Addres

City, State Zip Houston, Texas 77008 County Work Telephone Home Telephone Harris 713-338-001 7 Cellular State Senator Paul Bettencourt I ~P.r.nnci~rv F-Mail Adciress (if applicable) State Representative JimM u h

1st Court of Appeals, Place 9

4 . E mp1ovmen t I n Jorma f 10n Employer Employer's Address Present Job Title McClees & Guiney, PLLC 1545 Heights Blvd. Attorney Suite 500 Profession Houston, TX 77008 Attorney Present Job Description As of January 1, 2017, I went back into private practice providing representation for indigents clients accused of criminal acts.

Revised 02/15 I Name Kristin M. Guiney

. n/T 5. Ed ucat10 ramma.. Degree and Type School Name and Location of School Year of Graduated Field of Study High School Clear Brook, Friendswood, Texas 1993 Diploma

Undergraduate Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 1997 B.A. Political Science

Graduate University of Houston Law Center 2001 Juris Doctorate

Other Board Certified in Criminal Law 2010 TBLS

6. E mp ovmen t H"IS t ory Employer Position Dates Location Harris County District Attorney's Office Asst. District Attorney 11/01-5/10 Harris County Law Office of Kristin M. Guiney, PLLC Attorney 6/10-12/12 Harris County State of Texas Judge, 1791nDistrict Court 1/13-12/16 Harris County McClees & Guiney, PLLC Attorney 1/17-Present Harris County

7. References Name Employer City Telephone Relationship Hon. Susan Brown Judge, 185th Dist. Court Houston 713-306-3576 Colleague Traci Bennett Harris County Dist. Atty Houston 281-687-1459 Colleague Dr. Matthew Russell St. Paul's UMC Houston 832-714-1170 Pastor Lucienne "Luci" Davdison Self Houston 713-569-8061 Colleague Jerome Godinich Self Houston 713-237-8388 Colleague

8. Professional Memberships (includina anv state bar memberships) Oraanization Title/Position Current/Former Texas State Bar Member Current Houston Bar Association Member Current Texas Bar Colle~e Member Current Texas Association of Countv and District Attomevs Member Former Texas Criminal Defense Lawvers Association Member Former Harris County Criminal Lawvers Accociation Member Former

9. V olunteer Participation Oraanization Title/Position Current/Former St. Paul's United Methodist Church Volunteer Current American Leadershio Forum-Gulf Coast Senior Fellow Current Prison Entreoreneurshio Proiuam Volunteer Current Girls Scouts Volunteer Current Americoros Foster oarent volunteer Former

10. MTtaI I try Serv1ce Are you or have you ever been a member of the Armed Forces of the United States: l !Yes 18]No Branch Dates of Service Tvoe of Discharge

Revised 02/15 2 I Name Kristin M. Guiney

11. Social Media Information Do you use, or have you ever used, any of the following? If "yes," provide additional information.

Facebook ~Yes D No Username https://www.facebook.com/kristin.guiney Twitter ~Yes D No Handle @KristinMGuiney lnstagram DYes ~ No Username Linkedln ~Yes D No Profile Kristin Guiney Google+ ~Yes D No Username

12. SiDOUSe In f, ormat1on Th"IS S ec1onf N ot A,DD r 1ca bl e Soouse's Emolover Job Title/Position

Does your spouse conduct any business witti nr .,eforP. the If VP_~ nlP.~SP.list ~nP.nr.iF!s· Texas Legislature or any other state entity? (es No - - 13. Miscellaneous Information Note: uMateria/ interest" is defined as (a) serving on the governing board of directors or (b) a ten (10) percent or greater ownership. This does not apply to any mutual funds in which you do not exercise authoritv in investment decisions. Have you filed federal income tax returns for the past five (5) vears? If no aive details. I [81 Yes I I No

Are you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a material interest currently IDYes ~No delinauent in anv local, state or federal taxes? If ves, aive details.

Have vou ever defaulted on a oersonal, business or student loan? If ves aive details. I D Yes IXI No Type of Loan Date Details

Do you currently serve, or have you ever served, on any local, state or federal government [81Yes D No board, commission or committee or in anv elected or appointed office? Compensated Reimbursed Entity Position Dates (Y/N) (Y/N) 179th District Court. Harris Couintv Jud2e 1/13 - 12/1 6 y N

Revised 02/15 3 I Name Kristin M. Guiney

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

Are you or vour soouse related to a local state or federal oublic official? Yes f.-C-~.L...C...;;.;....;;. .c.....<...;;..;;.;..;~;;....;;..;; ~__;;_....;;.;..;_;;_;_.;_;;__;;___;....;_;___,_;;c.=:__:_;:_,_"-'---'....::....:.....::...C....:c..;__a:_...c.;_c;_'-'-C.-.;;_;_;_;-=-:...:c;.;...:..... __ ---r- ______.I Name of Official and Title I Relat1onshit

Do you or your spouse have any material interest in, or are either of you employed by, any 0Yes ~No company that does business with or receives funds from the State of Texas? If yes, give full name and details: Name of Company Details

Are you or your spouse an officer, director, employee or paid Self consultant of a trade association? 0Yes ~ No

If yes, please list association and position: Spouse

Have you, your spouse, or any company in which you or your spouse have a material I0Yes ~ No interest been party to litiaation? If yes, give details.

In the last five years, have you, or any company in which you have a material interest, been ~Yes 0No licensed by a Texas state agency? If ves, aive details. Agencv TvDe of License License# Expiration Secretary of State P .L.L.C for orivate law oractice 801300500 In existenct

Have you ever been delinauent in child suooort payments? If yes, aive details. DYes D No ~ Not Applicable

Revised 02/15 4 I Name Kristin M. Guiney

13. Miscellaneous Information (Continued)

To the best of your knowledge, has any federal, state or local law enforcement or regulatory D Yes [8J No agency (on behalf of itself or any other person or entity) filed or investigated any grievance or complaint against you, your spouse, or an entity in which you have a material interest? If yes, give details and disoosition (investiaated, dismissed, reprimanded) Aaencv Date Details and Disoosition

To the best of your knowledge, have you, your spouse, or any company in which you have a D Yes [8J No material interest been investigated, reprimanded, fined or suspended from doing business with any state or federal agency? If yes, give details and disposition (investigated, reprimanded, fined, susoended Agencv Date Details and Disoosltion

If yes, list the charge, the date of the offense, the city and/or county and state in which it alleaedlv occurred. and the disoosition thereof.

Revised 02/15 s 14. Certification

Full Legal Name Kristin Melissa Guiney McClees Date of Birth T )river License or DPS ID# Are you a U.S. Citizen? cgj Yes D No I Place of Birth Webster, Texas Date of naturalization (if not a citizen upon birth) I I Ethnicity: (optional; check all that apply) cgj White D African American

D Hispanic D Asian American D Native American D Other

Notes: • Appointment to a Board or Commission may require the annual filing of a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) Form with the Texas Ethics Commission.

• A resume must be attached in order for this application to be considered complete.

• Judicial candidates must also complete a Judicial Questionnaire.

CERTIFICATION OF APPLICANT

Applicant's Signa

7/19/2017

Submit to: Date

Appointments Staff (512) 463-1828 Office of the Governor (512) 475-2576 fax PO Box 12428 www.gov.texas.gov Austin, Texas 78711

[email protected] (with scanned signature page)

Revised 02/ IS 6 8505 Technology Forest, #104 The Woodlands, Texas 77380 Law Office of Alexis Bruegger 832-570-3238 Phone/ 832-383· 7498 Fax [email protected]

Appointments Staff Office of Greg Abbott PO Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Dear Governor Abbott, I am writing to you regarding your upcoming selection for Judge of the 232nd District Court of Harris County, Texas. I am certain that you have many great candidates from which to make your selection. I am hopeful that you will select former Judge Kristin Guiney to fill this open spot. I have known Ms. Guiney since law school, and our time together as Asst. District Attorney's at the Harris County District Attorney's Office. I have had the pleasure of practicing in front of her when she was Judge of the 179thDistrict Court. Judge Guiney deserves to be back on a bench again, and Harris County desperately needs someone with her experience, compassion, and integrity. Unlike some other Judges, Judge Guiney did not have any hidden agenda. She simply followed the law, was fair to both sides, thus ensuring that the accused received a fair trial. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Appointments Staff Office of Governor Greg Abbott PO Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

January 31, 2017

Re: Letter of Support for the Appointment of Kristin Guiney to the 232nd District Court of Harris County, Texas

To Whom It May Concern:

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to express my sincere belief that Kristin Guiney is the ideal candidate for the appointment of Presiding Judge of the 232nd District Court of Harris County, Texas.

I have had the honor of working with Kristin Guiney as a co-worker while she was a prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, as an adversary when she represented the rights of the accused, and practiced in front of her when she presided over the 179th District Court of Harris County, Texas. In each of these endeavors Mrs. Guiney conducted herself with integrity and a keen sense of justice.

Most importantly, in her four years as the Presiding Judge of the 179th District Court Kristin Guiney proved herself to be a sound jurist who combined a stern adherence to rule of law with compassionate reforms aimed at rehabilitation.

I believe that Mrs. Guiney's dedication to criminal justice and diversity of experience brings a much need perspective to the bench, as well as a deep understanding of the practice of law in the District Courts.

~Aimee~ Bolletino- ____· ) P.O. Box 7944 Houston, TX 77270 (713) 363-3990 [email protected] RECEIVED

JANO 9 2017 R. SCOTT SHEARER Attorney at Law Appointments

917 FRANKLIN, SUITE 320 HOUSTON, TX 77002 E }·ID·/7 (713) 254-5629 OFFICE (713) 224-2889 FAX [email protected] January 4, 2016 APPOINDv1ENTSSTAFF OFFICE OF GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT PO BOX 12428 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to you in support of the Honorable K.RISTJN M. GUINEY, former judge of the 179th District Court of Harris County, Texas. I had the pleasure of trying a capital murder case before Judge Guiney for several months in 2014. I found Judge Guiney to be extremely hard working, intelligent, and in possession of a temperament uniquely befitting a judge. Her patience with the parties was truly appreciated and made for a trial with far less rancor than one would normally experience. At one point, Judge Guiney actually stopped the trial so that she could perform her own legal research on a complicated question of law while she asked the parties to do the same. In 23 years of practice trying criminal cases, I have only had one other judge make a similar suggestion. I did not always agree with Judge Guiney's rulings. I did find, however, that her decisions were the product of a sincere desire to get it right. I would characterize Judge Guiney as a "student of the law" - someone who has a desire to continue to learn in a constantly changing legal landscape. Unfortunately, this is a characteristic sorely lacking amongst many of the other judges I appear before. Judge Guiney enjoys wide support among both the defense bar and the district attorney's office. But for the unique circumstances of the last contest, I feel confident that Judge Guiney would win in a general election. I hope you will consider Judge Guiney when any judicial appointment need be filled. ~------R. Scott Shearer

- , Jerome Godinich, Jr. Attomey at Law 929 Preston, Suite 200 Houston, Texas 77002 Phone:713-237-8388 Fax:713-224-2889

David Whitley Office of the Governor P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Kristin Guiney

Dear Mr. Whitley,

I am writing to you regarding Kristin Guiney who is seeking the position of Judge for the 232ndHarris County District Court.

I have known Kristin personally for over eight years. Kristin is a very bright individual who is always professional, organized and responsible. I believe that her legal skills and experience as judge of the 179thHarris County District Court wiU be a tremendous asset if she is chosen to fill the vacancy in the 232"d Harris County District Court.

When I first met Kristin, she was a young prosecutor just beginning her legal career in the felony courts. She was part of a group of assistant district attorneys already demonstrating leadership ability and exceptional trial skills. During the time I have known Kristin, she has progressed from trying felony cases to becoming Judge of the 179thHarris County District Court. She presided over the death penalty trial of Juan Balderas, case no. 1412826. Mr. Balderas had been in custody for eight years prior to trial. Judge Guiney determined to clear the trial log jam of her judicial predecessor, set Mr. Balderas' very complicated gang case for trial. During the trial, she demonstrated the patience and intelligence one normally sees in a far older and more experienced trial judge.

She is t very accomplished trial lawyer who worked for many years as an assistant district attorney in Harris County. She is also :ristin's accomplishments reflect the abilities and innate skills necessary for a successful judicial career. Respected and accomplished, Kristin Guiney would continue the fine judicial tradition we see in Harris County.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, £ \'2· \t· (b RECEIVED

DECO 9 2016 PAUL SCIDFFER ATTORNEY AT LAW 5300 MEMORIAL DR., SUITE 750 Appointments HOUSTON, TEXAS 77007 [email protected] OFFICE: (713) 521-0059 • FAX: (713) 800-0221 www.paulschifferlaw.com

December 7, 2016

Appointments Staff Office of Governor Greg Abbott PO Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Appointment of Kristin M. Guiney to the 232°d District Court of Harris County

Dear Staff:

My name is Paul Schiffer and I am a lawyer licensed to practice in state and federal courts in Texas. I have been practicing law for over 41 years, serving as an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County at the beginning of my career and as a criminal defense attorney for the balance. I have been appointed as a special Judge in Harris County in misdemeanor courts many times so I believe I have a broad perspective on the qualifications that define a good judge because I have seen it from every side. I am writing this letter to encourage you to appoint Kristin Guiney to the 232°d District Court in Harris County, occasioned by the election of Judge Mary Lou Keel to the Court of Criminal Appeals on January 1, 2017. I have known Kristin Guiney as long as she has been a lawyer. I have found myself on the opposite side of arguments and cases when she represented the State as an Assistant Harris County District Attorney. She was a formidable opponent. She was thorough, prepared, zealous, and an altogether commanding presence in the courtroom. During her brief stint as a criminal defense attorney, she brought the same drive and integrity to her practice and again was an extremely effective advocate. Her election to the bench of the 179th District Court was fortunate for all Texans. Judge Guiney was finally in a position where her character, intellect and experience would allow her to have the greatest impact for the greatest number of people. Victims, defendants, attorneys were all treated with civility, kindness or sternness when it was appropriate. All participants could readily see, every day that she was on the bench, the quick grasp she had of complex cases and the fair resolutions she arrived at after all parties had their fair day in court before her. Kristin Guiney is one of those rare jurists who gets it right almost all the time, and if she is wrong in the opinion of the "losing" side, it is not because she was tired, or mean or complacent. In all my years of practicing in front of hundreds of judges, Kristin Guiney is a jurist par excellence, in the top tier. · To appoint Kristin Guiney would bring honor to e State of Texas, it's Governor and the people of Harris County. E t'l· 12 .11, RECEIVED

DEC1 2 2016 Date: 5 December 2016 Appointments To: Governor Greg Abbott

From: 8. Jill Carroll, Ph.D.

Re: recommendation for Judge Kristin Guiney

I write to encourage your appointment of Judge Kristin Guiney for the criminal bench that is coming open in Harris County as of January 1, 2017.

I have known Judge Guiney for about 3 years, mainly through her participation in a landmark leadership program called American Leadership Forum (ALF). ALF was founded in Houston over 3 decades ago by Joseph Jaworski. and has now spread to 9 chapters nationwide. ALF's mission is to join and strengthen diverse leaders to better serve the common good. I am a lead facilitator and program consultant for ALF, as well as a senior fellow of the program.

Judge Guiney participated in a year-long cohort focused on criminal justice. She and other fellows from throughout the criminal justice system spent the year discussing issues in criminal justice and seeking to find creative solutions to the many challenges facing the system here in Harris County.

As a Republican judge, with a past work history in the office of the district attorney and as a criminal prosecutor, Judge Guiney has a sharp view of the range of criminality that plagues our society and is deeply motivated by a sense of justice to and for the victims. At the same time, she sees deeply into the more systemic problems that exist at the level of failing families and institutions, which give rise to crime and other offending actions. She thus seeks to be "tough on crime" while also seeking to prevent the cultural and societal crises that foster criminality and other deviant behaviors.

My experience with Judge Guiney taught me several things. One, she is one of the smartest people I've ever met - she is a person of formidable intelligence - and I've met lots of smart people, having earned my Ph.D. at Rice University and been a -professor there. Two, she approac.:hes issues .with thoughtf.ufaess and thoroughness. She is keenly aware of the complexities of the criminal justice system and of the challenges it deals with every day. She resists simplistic "answers" and cheap sloganeering, and will call such things out when she encounters them. Three, she is a person of profound integrity in both her personal and professional life. She is very clear and on what she is and is not ethically and legally bound to do and s~y - and manages herself accordingly. Finally, she is a person of deep religious faith, and relies on her faith to keep her grounded in wisdom and truth in the midst of confronting in her court some of the most egregious vio]ations of human decency one can imagine.

I admire Judge Guiney a great deal. She was first just a participant in the ALF cohort that I was faciJitating. As time progressed, she became a colleague. Now, she is a friend and someone I greatly respect I trust her immensely and believe that the people of the state of Texas deserve someone of her caliber on the bench.

I urge you to consider appointing her. You won't regret it

Thank you for your consideration. REce1,1ED

DEC O5 2016 *MARYE. CONN & ASSOCIATES l\ppo'nt ments ATTORNEYS AT LAW

440 LOUISIANA,SUITE 200 PHONE: (713) 357-4190 HOUSTON,TExAS77002 [email protected] *LICENSEDIN TEXASAND CALIFORNIA WWW.MAR YCONNLA W.COM

November 28, 2016

Appointments Staff Office of Governor Greg Abbott Post Office Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Appointment of Judge Kristin Guiney to the 232"d Criminal District Court of Harris County, Texas

Dear Staff and Governor Abbott:

As a veteran of the criminal justice system for some 32 years, I have practiced in many courts and courthouses, in Texas, in Federal Courts, and in other states as well. I served as President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, and as Director of both the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for three terms each. I have never written a letter of this type.

As you know, we lost several very good judges. The most significant loss was Kristin Guiney, of the 179th District Court. Judge Guiney is the benchmark of what ajudge should be: highly intelligent, extremely knowledgeable, incredibly focused on the "right things" such as appropriate resolutions and fair dispositions. And, interestingly, no one from the District Attorney's office or the defense bar has any complaint about her whatsoever. Judge Guiney was a great prosecutor, and has been a great judge, fair and impartial. She is smart for Texas: she is tough and thoughtful and always willing to do the right thing. She is good for the County, good for the State, and a good representative of your office, should you appoint her.

We lost another great judge, Mary Lou Keel, who was "kicked upstairs" to the Court of Criminal Appeals. We will miss her in the District Court, and at the same time are delighted for her accomplishment, which she greatly deserves. Her bench would be well-served by Judge Guiney. Please appoint Judge Guiney to the 232™1,to replace our Judge Keel.

Very truly yours, MARYE. CONN & ASSOCIATES /J(f,(__, Mary Elizabeth Conn

MEC/sb £ ll ·l, 1·/t

Appointments Staff RECEIVED Office of Governor Greg Abbott P.O. Box 12428 Nov 2 9 20,,. Austin, TX 78711 A o PPointn--.e..., nts November 22, 2016

Re: Kristin Guiney for Appointment to the 232°d District Court, Harris County

Governor Abbott and Appointments Staff,

I am writing to recommend Hon. Kristin Guiney for appointment to the 232nd Criminal District Court in Harris County, which will soon be vacant as Judge Mary Lou Keel takes her seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals. Judge Guiney was the judge for the 179th Criminal District Court for four years, and was widely regarded as one of the smartest and hardest working judges in the county. She was, unfortunately, not reelected this month in a Democratic sweep of the county.

As judge for the 179th, Judge Guiney has been a conscientious and wise representative for the people of Harris County. She truly earned the title of "honorable." I have had the privilege of being a practicing attorney in her court and have seen how she leads from the bench. Her rulings follow the law - she often breaks to research current case law before rendering an option on a legal issue. She takes a personal interest in the lives of those on probation in her court, offering honest and heartfelt advice and guidance to probationers while not shying away from voicing hard truths and issuing sanctions when they are needed.

Observing the proceedings in her court, I have seen her make tough sentencing decisions. She carefully weighs the need for rehabilitation with that for punishment, considering both the offender's actions and background and the pain wrought on the victims and their families. This is a responsibility she takes with the seriousness that it des~r.ves. The~e are the decisions many, including myself, would not voluntarily take on. Judge Guiney possesses both the courage and grace demanded of such tasks.

I have heard her tell new probationers, whom she is giving a chance for rehabilitation from drug addiction or to re-earn the trust of their community, "do not mistake my kindness for weakness." I believe this perfectly sums up the way she runs her courtroom. She treats everyone who enters with dignity and respect, but is not afraid make the difficult calls.

Harris County needs more judges like Kristin Guiney. I respectfully request that she be considered for appointment to the 232nd Criminal District Court. ~d£Sincerely, Miranda Meador f \ \. 1-,'t, · IL Natalie L Schultz RECEIVED Attorney at Law NOV2 8 2016 2500 East TC Jester, Ste 135• Houston, TX 77008• Phone: 832-831-4105 • Fax: 713-868-7912 E-Mail Web: www.nschultzlaw.com Ap . po1ntments November 21, 2016

Dear Appointment Staff,

Please accept this letter as my recommendation for Kristin Guineyto the 232"d District Court bench. I have worked in front of Judge Guiney for 4 years during her tenure as Judge of the 179th District Court in Harris County, Texas. She is incredibly fair and impartial. She maintains a very even temper and is always pleasant and professional to attorneys, staff, victims, and defendants alike.

Kristin Guiney has extensive experience in the Harris County Criminal Justice System. She was an Assistant District Attorney for 9 years; a criminal defense attorney for 2 years; and Criminal Court Judge of the 179th District Court for 4 years. All of her experience has made her one of the most reasonable and fair judges before whom I have had the pleasure of working. My colleagues, both those who are prosecutors and those who are defense attorneys, all consider Kristin Guiney one of the best, if not the best, judge in the courthouse.

She is honest and extremely intelligent. She will research the law to make sure that every ruling she makes is just and appropriate. She is tough on violent crimes, yet always willing to help get the less fortunate get back on their feet. She will research and hand out information on employers who hire felons, rehabilitation centers, and ways to regain a valid driver's license. The success of those who appear before her on non-violent drug, theft, or fraud cases is extremely important to her.

If my family suffered a loss or were a victim of a crime, I would want the offender to be in Kristin Guiney's court. I know that justice would certainly prevail. I can also say that if someone in my family were charged with a crime, I would want that family member to be in Kristin Guiney's court. I would feel confident knowing that the right thing would always be done.

I truly hope that you will nominate Kristin Guiney to the 232nd District Court of Harris County, Texas. Our community would thank you.

Sincerely, L Natalie/s chultz Attorney at Law DE NEAL DAVIS LAW FI R M

November 18, 2016

Appointments Staff Office of Governor Greg Abbott PO Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Appointment of lfristin ...1. Guiney to the 232°d District Court of Harris County

Dear Staff,

My name is Neal Davis. I am an attorney licensed to practice in state and federal court in Texas. I have practiced for almost 20 years. I am Board Certified in Criminal Law and AV-Rated by Martindale Hubbell. Following my graduation at the University of Texas School of Law, I worked as lawyer with Dick DeGuerin. I worked with him for over 10 years, and then started my own firm. I am very involved in the local bar, having twice been a Board Member for the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association.

I am writing this letter to support Ifristin Guiney for appointment to the Harris County bench. I have known Ki·istin Guiney for many yea1·s- when she was a prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney, and a judge. I can say without any hesitation that she was an outstanding prosecutor and defense attorney, and now a judge, in skill, temperament, and ethics. As a prosecutor, she was tough but fair. She was always thoroughly prepared, shot straight with the defense bar, and aggressively prosecuted her cases (I was the lawyer on the other side of one such prosecution). As a defense attorney, she zealously represented her clients and had great success. As a judge, she has been a superstar-fair and impartial to both sides while moving cases so that everyone (victim and defendant) promptly had their day in court. Both sides of the bar-prosecutors and defenders alike-hold he1· in the highest regard. And both sides were equally crushed when she lost. despite her tireless campaigning with her wonderful by such a small margin in the November 2016 elect10n.

Kristin Guiney is "smart" on crime. I believe her experience on both sides of the bar have made her such an effective judge. She knows the difference

917 Franklin St., Sixth Floor I Houston, Texas 77002 Tel: 713.227.4444 I Fax: 800.760.7140 I [email protected] .NealDavisLaw.com between someone who can be rehabilitated and someone who needs to go to prison. She knows that everyone wins-taxpayers and law·abiding citizens when a judge is smart on crime. Yet she is firm in incarcerating offenders who pose a threat, have historically shown a disregard for the law, and/or are incapable of reforming themselves. If I ever am in the unfortunate situation of myself or a loved one being a victim of crime, I have no doubt that she would do the right thing in sentencing the offender.

I have only written one letter on behalf of another judge in my career. That is how strongly I feel about Kristin Guiney. Please appoint her to the 232nd District Court of Harris County, Texas. Bill Stradley Attorney at Law 917 Franklin, 6th Floor Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 725-8743

November 22, 2016

Appointments Staff Office of Governor Greg Abbott PO Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711

RE: Appointment of Kristin Guiney to the 232nd District Court of Harris County

Dear Staff,

My name is Bill Stradley. I was licensed to practice law in November 1990. I was an Assistant District Attorney under Johnny Holmes for 4 years upon graduation from South Texas College of Law. I met Governor Abbott in 1992 in the Harris County Criminal Courthouse. I was a new DA and Governor Abbott was making the rounds campaigning for his position as a District Judge in Harris County.

I have been in private practice since 1995. I became Board Certified in Criminal Law in 1997. I am the chairman of a panel for the State Bar of Texas Regional Grievance Committee. I have appeared before all of the Criminal Judges in Harris County on a daily basis since 1990. I believe I am in a position to recognize an excellent judge.

I first came to know Kristin Guiney while handling a case on the opposing side. As an assistant District Attorney Kristin was willing to consider well made arguments. Kirstin was never condescending as prosecutors can sometimes be. I can attest however that Kristin was well known to the defense bar as a very effective and worthy opponent. Kristin is known to be resourceful, prepared and sharp on her feet.

When Kristin made it known that she was running for the 179th District Court, I quickly offered my support, at some political expense to myself. I