Conviction Rates & Case Management
After 18 years in office, Rockwall County residents deserve a clear picture of how their District Attorney has managed the caseload. Effective prosecution means holding offenders accountable while respecting victims and moving cases efficiently through the system.
The questions below reflect concerns raised by attorneys, law enforcement, and community members about whether current leadership is delivering the results Rockwall County expects.
Key Concerns
Case Dismissal Rates
A high volume of cases dismissed before trial raises questions about charging decisions and case preparation. When cases are filed prematurely or without sufficient evidence, it wastes taxpayer resources, frustrates law enforcement, and denies justice to victims.
Rockwall County residents should expect their DA to file charges that stick and to prepare cases thoroughly before bringing them to court.
Plea Bargain Practices
Plea agreements are a necessary part of the justice system, but over-reliance on plea deals — particularly for violent and repeat offenders — can undermine public safety. When serious charges are routinely reduced, offenders return to the community without meaningful consequences.
A balanced approach means reserving the strongest plea offers for first-time, non-violent offenders while aggressively prosecuting those who threaten community safety.
Case Backlog & Resolution Times
Justice delayed is justice denied. When cases languish in the system for months or years, witnesses relocate, evidence degrades, and victims lose faith in the process. Efficient case management requires clear prioritization, adequate staffing, and leadership that holds prosecutors accountable for timelines.
Modern DA offices use data-driven dashboards to track case aging and ensure no case falls through the cracks.
Trial Readiness
A DA's office that rarely goes to trial sends a message to defense attorneys and defendants: hold out long enough, and you'll get a better deal. Maintaining trial readiness — with experienced prosecutors who are prepared to try cases — is essential to effective plea negotiations and public safety.
When the defense knows your office is ready and willing to go to trial, negotiations produce stronger outcomes for the community.
What We Would Do Differently
Data-Driven Prosecution
Implement case tracking systems that measure outcomes by case type, prosecutor, and timeline — and publish annual reports for public review.
Stronger Charging Standards
File charges when the evidence supports conviction, reducing wasted resources on cases that are later dismissed.
Trial-Ready Culture
Invest in prosecutor training and preparation so the office is always ready to take cases to trial when plea offers are rejected.
Accountability Metrics
Set clear benchmarks for case resolution times and conviction rates, with regular internal reviews to identify and fix bottlenecks.
Rockwall County deserves a DA who measures results and holds the office accountable.
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