Candidates for Tarrant County Criminal District Judge, Court 6 on November 8 ballot
Ebony M Turner
Political party (if applicable): Democratic
Age as of November 8, 2022: 46
Campaign website: www.ebonyforjudge.com
Occupation: Criminal Defense Attorney/Owner of The Law Office of Ebony M Turner, LLC
Education: B.A. 1998-The University of Texas at Austin; J.D. 2001- St. Mary’s University School of Law
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: In my different leadership roles in the community, I have held or participated in candidate forums, candidate interviews, election information forums, supported candidates, appeared in front of, and written letters to elected school board members and members of the Legislature. I am also a Voter Deputy Registrar and have registered many voters, I have been an election worker, poll greeter, and volunteered for Election Protection Group, etc..
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Amanda Sneed, Njeri London, and Charlotte Hill
What is the most important distinction between you and your opponent? My varied and vast experience in the area of criminal law, specifically, domestic violence, and my plan to reduce recidivism rates in domestic violence cases.
What are the three biggest issues in this race? Increasing public safety by reducing domestic violence cases, efficiently managing case dockets, and restoring confidence, dignity and respect to the judiciary in Tarrant County.
What is your promise to Tarrant County residents if you win? I promise I will continue to serve the community and I will be just and fair to anyone who comes into my courtroom regardless of the reason he or she is there.
In your view, are there any crimes being too lightly sentenced in Tarrant County? Are there crimes that are being too harshly sentenced? I do not know of any crimes that are being too lightly sentenced.
Randi Hartin
Political party (if applicable): Republican
Age as of November 8, 2022: 47
Campaign website: www.hartinforjudge.com
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Juris Doctor
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am involved in multiple Republican clubs, including serving as the Treasurer of the Republican Women of Arlington. I am also a member of the Texas Federation of Republican Women. As a member of my church, I have worked with the youth program to participate in and supervise weeks of service where we have completed projects for community members.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Ralph Gholson, Stephen Lockwood, Michael Schneider
What is the most important distinction between you and your opponent? Currently, I practice criminal defense and handle occasional family law cases with criminal components, such as protective orders and custody cases involving accusations of domestic violence. I previously spent five years at the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office as a misdemeanor and felony prosecutor, during part of which I was assigned to Tarrant County’s current dedicated family violence court. I believe my work on both sides of criminal law provides me with a more well-rounded level of experience for a court that will be dedicated to family violence cases.
What are the three biggest issues in this race? I believe the three most important issues in this judicial race are community safety and trust, efficiency, and adherence to the law. Regardless of political affiliation or one’s personal beliefs, a judge’s responsibility and duty is to the law. The bench is not the place for activism or legislation. By adhering to the law and weighing not only the rights of the accused citizen but the rights and safety of the community, my hope is to build trust with the citizens of Tarrant County. Finally, efficiency and organization are key to running any court; however, with the switch from hearing general misdemeanors to solely hearing family violence cases, it will be even more important for County Criminal Court Six during its adjustment period.
What is your promise to Tarrant County residents if you win? If elected, I will not only be a judge in Tarrant County but one of its citizens. My promise is to follow the law and protect the rights of all citizens, while treating all who come through County Criminal Court Six with respect and dignity.
In your view, are there any crimes being too lightly sentenced in Tarrant County? Are there crimes that are being too harshly sentenced? A judge’s duty is to apply established law and, when necessary, assess punishment fairly within the sentencing guidelines of the Texas Penal Code and based on an evaluation of the individual facts and circumstances of the case at hand. While I may personally disagree with a particular law or sentencing guideline, as a judge, it is not my place to substitute those personal beliefs for the written law.
What should be the top priorities of a Tarrant County criminal district judge? As a County Criminal judge, my top priorities are to ensure the safety of the community, follow the law as it is written, and manage my court with efficiency and respect.
