293rd District Judge Candidate Ricardo Ramos’ Response to Candidate Maribel Flores’ Political Ad

(Press Release) First point, let’s discuss the Federal Court experience. I cannot go into detail on the first two points regarding the County and my alleged “negligence” due to the fact that this matter is still being litigated but shame on my opponent for taking what are allegations and presenting them before the people as if they were facts. Any EXPERIENCED attorney knows that just because something is written in a petition alleging something does not make it true until proof has been provided. This has not yet happened and I am confident it will not happen and my name will be cleared.

In regards to the Federal Court finding me in contempt of court. Yes, it happened. It was 14 years ago and I was held in contempt for arriving late to court and having been considered “failing to appear.” Life happens and I acknowledged it was a mistake to arrive late and I paid my fine and moved on. I have provided the people with the truth in regards to that matter with this photograph that shows the remainder of the sentence which was cropped out so as to make it seem like something worse happened.

The remainder of this letter is a response to my opponent’s allegations regarding my conduct as your County Attorney. Any one that has EXPERIENCE in criminal law knows that cases are disposed through a wide range of programs such as pleas, downgrades, counseling, etc. Cases do not show as prosecution because they were disposed through the programs that the state offers to defendants such as: probation, pretrial diversion programs, etc. Some of these dispositions do not register as convictions with DPS and a misinterpretation can occur. It is apparent, that the report provided by my opponent was misinterpreted and was provided to the public with malicious intent to attack my character and integrity.

A prosecutor has discretion to handle the cases according to the totality of the circumstances. The prosecutor ‘s duties is codified in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 2.01 where it states that, It shall be the primary duty of ALL prosecuting attorneys…NOT to convict, but to see that justice is done.

In each case, I always looked at the “totality of the circumstances” to understand the root of the problem and work towards correcting it to avoid future problems. My goal was to make productive citizens of those persons charged with an offense. A conviction was not the main goal; rather I made sure that justice was done. The hundreds, if not thousands, of people who I helped over the past 13 years are the true testament of my tireless work and service to our community.

In my opinion, a judge must be strong in faith that justice will be done, but at the same time a judge must be compassionate, have a complete understanding of the underlying case, and be stern when required. The judge must have a balanced judicial temper that can handle any and all types of situations presented before the court. In conclusion, I humbly ask that the voters of this district not be misled by reports that are misleading and misinterpreted. My opponent is desperate for votes and is willing to publish anything to get a vote. I promise to never mislead the people and never to crop or be selective in what I show to misguide my community. Don’t be misled with misinformation; in God we trust.

Yours Truly,
Ricardo Ramos