Welcome

12 August 2008

I am Juanita Jackson Barner and I am running for Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law #9. I am dedicated to improving the Harris County criminal justice system.   I greatly appreciate your support and your vote in the Democratic Primary on March 2, 2010.  

With your vote I will bring a much needed change to Harris County Criminal Court at Law #9.

Having over 11 years of legal experience, I understand the law.  I began my legal career as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas; suing individuals and companies that violated the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other consumer protection laws. As Assistant Attorney General, I assisted in recovering funds on behalf of Texas citizens that had been defrauded by scrupulous businesses. Shortly after, I began my own law practice specifically to provide affordable legal services to low and moderate income people in need.  In the beginning I worked mostly as a plaintiff attorney, but after realizing the need, I decided to dedicate my practice to assuring that the law is followed in our courts and that everyone’s civil rights are protected.   I am proud to have experience on both sides of the law, and I will work hard every day to insure the law is followed and that justice is done for everyone.

As someone who was raised here in Houston, I understand the needs of the citizens of Harris County. I attended Houston public schools, and still proudly reside in Southwest Houston;. I am very proud to live and work with people from all races, ages and economic groups. I care about the people of Harris County because this is where my home and my heart is.

I am highly committed to making Harris County safer for everyone. Residing in an area of Houston that many people consider to be a “high crime” area, I know that there are many wonderful neighborhoods where crime has become difficult to control.   As a former victim of crime, I strongly believe that criminals should be accountable for their actions. However, as a human being, I also realize that simply being tough on crime and throwing people in jail is not enough.  I am committed to developing programs and alternatives to educate young offenders and deter crime in our communities.

The scales of justice in Harris County are often unbalanced.  Unfortunately there are innocent people that walk into the courtroom every day, and quite often many of our current judges have forgotten that fact.  I understand the real meaning of JUSTICE. Once elected, I will treat every accused person with respect and dignity.  County Court #9 will be a level and just playing field.  I will require law enforcement, prosecutors and defense attorneys  to follow the law.

Sometimes even decent hard working people get accused and can’t afford an attorney. I believe justice should not be about money. People should not have to decide between housing or food in order to have good legal representation.   Requiring a person to pay all their court costs up front or sending them to jail, as it is right now in Court #9, is just another form of punishment for the defendant and their family.  Having such a system, criminalizes poverty and potentially creates a greater economic burden on our already overcrowded county jail system.  Our courts should not be designed so that poor people have different outcomes than those with money, nor should it to be another revenue stream for the county.  

One person can make a difference. Help me take the first steps toward positive change in our County Criminal Justice System.