Thomas is a conservative Republican who is seeking to continue his career in public service as Judge of Brazoria County Court at Law No. 2. Thomas’ career reflects extensive and balanced experience as a Prosecutor, Military Defense Attorney, and Judge.
In 1995, Thomas graduated from Calhoun High School in Port Lavaca, Texas. He went on to graduate from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas in 2000, obtaining a degree in criminal justice. He received his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston in 2003.
Brazoria County has been home to Thomas, his wife, Carolina, and their two daughters since 2006. Thomas is a faithful member of his church where he has served as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, and in numerous other ways. He is a Christian seeking to serve.
Thomas is running for Judge for the same reason he decided to be an Assistant District Attorney 18 years ago – it is a calling. Thomas’ career is deeply marked with public service in our local courts as well as our military. Thomas is asking each voter to place their confidence in his extensive and balanced experience, proven competence, and willingness to serve and would be honored to be elected as Judge of Brazoria County Court at Law No. 2.
“I have known Thomas for many years and I recently tried a capital murder case where the State sought the death penalty and Thomas was the lead prosecutor. I have always known Thomas to be a firm, reasonable, and fair-dealing prosecutor that is willing to listen and consider all aspects of a case. He represents professionalism and integrity in all respects.”
– Criminal Defense Attorney Cary Faden
Licensed for 31 years
Thomas is currently an Assistant District Attorney, a career felony prosecutor, having served our communities for over 18 years. Thomas stands by our law’s statutory instruction to prosecutors that “it shall be the primary duty of all prosecuting attorneys … not to convict, but to see that justice is done.” As such, Thomas has prosecuted multiple capital murder cases against some of the worst adult offenders. Thomas is endorsed by numerous law enforcement agencies, past and present elected District Attorneys, all who are familiar with his willingness to tirelessly fight for victims in our courts. Likewise, Thomas is also respected by defense attorneys who know that he follows the principle of fairness and individually tailored justice.
One of the responsibilities of County Court Judge is to preside over juvenile cases. Thomas has prosecuted juvenile cases, including adult certification hearings, juvenile transfers, and juvenile determinate sentencing. As to juvenile prosecution, the Texas Family Code commands that there are two goals: punishment and rehabilitation of the juvenile offender. These goals are to be balanced as they are applied. Thomas firmly believes that both goals are well-placed in our law. Application of this balance requires understanding and experience, which he has.
As a prosecutor, Thomas also serves in a unique role where he leads a Veterans’ Court Treatment Program focused on reducing repeat offenses through successful treatment outcomes and community reintegration of combat Veterans.
For over 8 years, Thomas served as Defense Counsel in the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps. He served one year on active duty (2006) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, achieved the rank of Captain, and defended Soldiers charged with felony military offenses at courts-martial.
As a Defense Attorney, Thomas understands the tension and pressure of representing clients and the impact an accused person faces when their future is dependent on the decisions being made by the Court. As such, Thomas always strives to practice and judge with compassion and fairness in applying the law.
For 7 years, Thomas has served our communities as a part-time municipal court Judge for the cities of Pearland and Manvel. As a Judge, Thomas has made a personal commitment to be available at any hour to review warrants and frequently takes calls from law enforcement in the middle of the night.
Thomas firmly believes that a Judge’s duty is to ensure that all receive a fair trial and that we strictly adhere to the laws of the State of Texas and the United States. The Judge plays an active role in the management of caseloads to ensure that backlogs of cases do not occur and that taxpayers are thus served well.
Our law provides that Judges set reasonable bail and that bail not be used as an instrument of oppression against the accused, but at the same time commands that Judges shall give due regard to and consider the “future safety of the victim of the alleged offense and the safety of the community.” The use of the word “shall” is not a suggestion, it is a command.
Surrounding area news sources have no shortage of articles highlighting how Judges have routinely set unreasonably low bail on violent offenders. Our surrounding counties have paid the price and seen the terrible results when violent offenders re-offend while on bond.