Pol. Ad. Paid Carlos H. Barrera Campaign in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. Emma Barrientos, Treasurer. PO Box 202616, Austin, Texas 78720-2616
JOIN THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE & ORGANIZATIONS AND LEADERS FROM ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY IN VOTING FOR
CARLOS BARRERA, the most experienced candidate for Judge, County Court at Law 8.
ENDORSED BY
The Austin Chronicle
Travis County Sheriff’s Officers Association
Austin Tejano Democrats
Austin Black Lawyers’ Association
Black Austin Democrats
Hispanic Bar Association of Austin
Mexican-American Democrats
WINNER, Lake Travis Democrats Straw Poll
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by “Balanced Experienced for Balanced Justice”?
You need experience that is well-rounded and covers all aspects of work in the courtroom – that is what I mean by “balanced”. I have worked thousands of misdemeanor cases AND felony cases. I have been a prosecutor AND worked to defend people. I have had the pleasure of working in well-managed courts AND the frustration of working in courts that need improvements. I am uniquely qualified to understand courts from all angles to make sure court proceedings are efficient and just.
Why are you running?
I always wanted to serve my community. I first ran for District Attorney in Webb and Zapata Counties almost 20 years ago. Although I am a life-long Democrat, the politics of the area dictated that I would not receive the nomination of the Democratic Party. Yet, I wanted to bring the Democratic values of integrity, fairness, and hard work to the position; so I ran as an independent. I am proud that I received about 45% of Webb County votes in that election. Although I lost, it was a pivotal moment for me. I learned that most people really want an elected official with high ideals and high integrity. Several years later, under the D.A. against whom I ran, the Office of District Attorney was marred by improprieties that resulted in federal prison time for several of the D.A.’s friends, employees, and family members. Since then, my high ideals and strong ethics have continued and strengthened and my desire to serve has grown. The citizens of Travis County deserve nothing less.
Why should a judge have experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney?
This is all about balance. Having experience on both sides gives me an understanding of each side’s perspective: where each side in the case is going with an argument, what is important, what is overreaching, and the strength of each case. My 20-plus years as a prosecutor and with defense enable me to run a court efficiently and, most importantly, fairly, for everyone.
What kind of cases will County Court at Law #8 hear?
Travis County Court at Law Number 8 is a newly created criminal misdemeanor bench and a trial court. This court will have jurisdiction to hear class A and class B misdemeanor cases. The most common of these are:
D.W.I. (first and second offenses)
Assault
Thefts (value of $50 or more but less than $1500)
Criminal Trespass
Criminal Mischief (damage of $50 or more but less than $1500)
Resisting and Evading Arrest (not in a vehicle)
Possession of Marijuana (less than 4 ounces) and some dangerous drugs
Failure to Identify (oneself to a police officer)
Why should I care who fills this seat?
Most people, thankfully, will never come before any court; but, all Americans care about making sure trials are fair and speedy. That’s what this country’s justice system is founded on. Also, when our courts run efficiently and speedily, we can reduce taxpayer dollars needed to fund them. The more cases I hear a day means more work gets done which means better value for taxpayers. Additionally, people may come before a court as a victim, a juror, a witness, or the wrongly accused. The judge with long experience and empathy for all these participants can make the experience better.