Newsroom
Judge Schneider decisively wins HBA poll
Inexperienced, unknown opponent
only gets smattering of votes
HOUSTON – Judge Michael "Mike" Schneider won a staggering 72 percent of the votes in the recently released Houston Bar Association 2010 Judicial Preference Poll. His opponent in the race for the 315th Juvenile District Court – an inexperienced bureaucrat with zero experience practicing juvenile law – managed only a small number of votes.
The HBA results showed that Judge Schneider won a larger percentage of votes than candidates in races for Harris County's nine family district courts, one domestic violence court and two other juvenile district courts.
The results also showed Judge Schneider, a Republican seeking his second full term in the Nov. 2 General Election, is one of the strongest vote-getters among the county's long list of district court judges.
"Of course, the only poll that matters is tallied Nov. 2," said Judge Schneider. "But I am extremely grateful to the bar for this victory. I hope the fact I was chosen by attorneys who actually practice in our juvenile courts helps inform voters on the importance of things like experience. When you're facing an unknown lawyer in an election who has no experience practicing juvenile, child protective or family law, this kind of vote of confidence is gratifying."
Gov. Rick Perry first appointed Judge Schneider to the bench in 2006 – the year he later won his first term. Since becoming the presiding judge in the 315th, Judge Schneider has presided over roughly 15,000 cases, including scores of complex jury trials involving a mix of family, criminal, juvenile and civil law.
Before coming to the bench, Judge Schneider had tried more than 200 contested cases in every juvenile and family court in Harris County. He also supervised lawyers with thousands of such cases pending in local juvenile and family courts as the former Deputy Division Chief in the Children's Protective Division of the Harris County Attorney's Office.
Judge Schneider has been praised for his innovative approach to reform and problems facing the juvenile justice system. Earlier this year, he received more than four times the number of "qualified" and "well-qualified" votes than his Democratic opponent in the HBA's Judicial Candidate Qualification Questionnaire. That high score again demonstrated the bar's appreciation for, among other things, Judge Schneider's steady and intelligent handling of complex cases, especially those involving child custody and protective issues.
Save The Date
Dr. Larry and Jane Joseph cordially invite you to join them in supporting their friend, Judge Mike Schneider, running for re-election to the 315th Juvenile District Court.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
5:30 - 7:00 PM
4220 Riley
Houston, TX 77005
Please RSVP by sending an email to Mary@MikeSchneider.org
or by calling (713) 299-1219.
Campaign donations can be brought to the event or mailed in advance to:
The Judge Mike Schneider Campaign
P.O. Box 1289
Houston, TX 77251
HPOU endorses Judge Mike Schneider in fall campaign
Largest police organization in Houston
backs experienced judge
HOUSTON – The Houston Police Officers' Union – the largest police organization in the city – has endorsed Judge Michael "Mike" Schneider in the race for the 315th Juvenile District Court.
Judge Schneider, a Republican seeking his second full term in the November 2nd General Election who is facing a challenge from an inexperienced Democrat, was informed of the major endorsement Friday. He said he was proud to receive the backing of HPOU, just as he did when he ran for his first term.
"This endorsement means so much to me and I'm proud to receive it again," said Judge Schneider. "The men and women of HPOU put their lives on the line every day. They see the struggle against juvenile crime in a way few do. They appreciate that getting the community involved in this fight – as we have done in my court – is the best way to keep our community safe, save money and make sure juvenile offenders don't become dangerous career criminals."
Gov. Rick Perry first appointed Judge Schneider to the bench in 2006 – the year he later won his first term. Since becoming the presiding judge in the 315th, Judge Schneider has presided over roughly 15,000 cases, including scores of complex jury trials involving a mix of family, criminal, juvenile and civil law. Before coming to the bench, unlike his opponent, Judge Schneider had tried more than 200 contested cases in every juvenile and family court in Harris County. He also supervised lawyers with thousands of such cases pending in local juvenile and family courts as the former Deputy Division Chief in the Children's Protective Division of the Harris County Attorney's Office.
Judge Schneider has been praised for his innovative approach to reform and problems facing the juvenile justice system. Earlier this year, he received more than four times the number of "qualified" and "well-qualified" votes than his Democratic opponent in the Houston Bar Association's Judicial Candidate Qualification Questionnaire – a score that demonstrated the bar's appreciation for, among other things, Judge Schneider's steady and intelligent handling of complex cases, especially those involving child custody and protective issues.
"This endorsement says so much because I know these men and women care about the quality of justice our community receives," said Judge Schneider. "They recognize that this race is about keeping someone on the bench who can handle the job – someone who has been serving and is ready to continue serving."
Judge Schneider works for results through JDAI program
Stats show smart reforms working to keep
community safe
HOUSTON – Smart juvenile justice reforms championed by Judge Michael "Mike" Schneider, 315th Juvenile District Court, are saving taxpayers money, reducing detention overcrowding and making Harris County residents safer, according to statistics from a leading children’s advocacy group.
Between 2007 and 2009, 24 percent fewer youths were incarcerated in juvenile detention facilities and there was also a 24 percent drop in petitions filed by prosecutors, according to juvenile justice officials and the Annie E. Casey Foundation – a charitable organization that partnered with the county three years ago to push for safe alternatives to juvenile detention.
The numbers also show 42 percent fewer juveniles were placed outside their homes in expensive residential facilities that don’t always work. There were 62 percent fewer committals to state detention facilities in the same period and a 31 percent drop in juvenile cases sent to the adult court system.
All those gains save taxpayers money, said Judge Schneider, but the most impressive statistics show that taking a more inventive approach to juvenile crime, like involving community leaders and organizations more in rehabilitation efforts, is also paying off on the streets.
Between 2007 and 2009, there was a 41 percent drop in juveniles referred for murder charges and a 44 percent drop in juvenile auto theft charges. There was a 53 percent drop in the number of juveniles referred to the system for felony drug charges and an 18 percent drop in juvenile burglary cases. At the same time, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle cases involving juveniles dropped 31 percent, juveniles referred to juvenile probation authorities dropped 14 percent and the average caseload for all probation officers dropped 28 percent.
"We’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with community leaders and talked about how much money smart reform saves taxpayers," said Judge Schneider. "Now, it’s working to keep our community safer. This proves reform doesn’t equate to weakness. This is working because we are reaching out to everyone – clergy, community leaders and law enforcement. We’re proving that if we’re all more involved, our communities can be safer."
News about the Casey Foundation’s work with Harris County as a Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site is also spreading. Recently, Judge Schneider was asked to participate in a panel discussion in San Antonio aimed at helping juvenile justice leaders from around the state see the wisdom in adopting smart reforms for the systems in their communities.
Judge Schneider starts county’s first juvenile drug court
Unique program aims to help offenders
kick substance abuse
HOUSTON – Judge Michael "Mike" Schneider, 315th Juvenile District Court, heard the first cases recently in Harris County’s first drug court for juveniles – an intense and innovative supervision program the judge created to help youthful offenders shake off substance abuse, get their education and start anew with a clean slate.
Two cases referred to the new program, which is called S.O.A.R. (Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse), were started this week. More will be referred to Judge Schneider’s court from throughout the local juvenile justice system. Participants will go through a rigorous screening process before being allowed to take advantage of the program, said Judge Schneider, who started planning S.O.A.R. months ago.
Participants must be non-violent substance abusers facing possible incarceration in county or state juvenile detention facilities for felony or misdemeanor charges. Both prosecutors and defense attorneys must agree to an offender’s worthiness for the program and – most importantly – a parent or guardian must agree to support participation in the program and to provide reliable transportation to and from monthly visits with the judge.
The docket in the special court will also be kept small so the judge can give a lot of individual attention to each offender in the program. Cases will also be heard in the afternoon so participants don’t miss school for court appearances.
In return for not immediately being incarcerated, participants must undergo court-ordered substance abuse counseling directly supervised by the judge. They must also, depending on their age and level of education, be prepared to get their high school diploma or equivalent, attend a trade school or consider a career in a field like the military. They will also see Judge Schneider or the associate judge in his court on a monthly basis and be subject to more rigorous drug and alcohol screening than the average probationer.
"Kids like this can be more successful and productive if they see someone in the system, like the judge, cares what happens to them," said Judge Schneider, who cited the success similar programs have had in adult courts. "This will not be easy for those in the program. They have responsibilities to live up to and they will be seeing a lot more of me than usual. They will get help. We’ll make sure of that, but they will be held responsible for their own recovery and getting on track for a life that means something, not a life of crime."
Judge Schneider said the extra attention afforded to these cases would allow him to reach out to the communities where the participants live and call on help for them from community leaders like clergy and others.
If participants complete the program, which can last as long as a year, they can have their juvenile record sealed by the judge – a move that will help them as they move forward in life and start a career.
Pasadena Bar Association endorses Judge Schneider
East Harris County bar group follows lead
of legal community
PASADENA – The Pasadena Bar Association announced Friday it has endorsed Judge Michael "Mike" Schneider, 315th Juvenile District Court, in his bid to win a second four-year term in the November General Election.
"I'm proud to get the endorsement of this hardworking group of attorneys in east Harris County," said Judge Schneider, an incumbent who is the Republican nominee for the 315th after being unopposed in his party's primary earlier this year. "These attorneys, like others throughout the county, realize that experience and sound judgment count for something in our juvenile courts. The stakes are too high to put someone on the bench who has no trial experience, especially with the number of high-profile and complex cases that must be handled."
Earlier this year, Judge Schneider received an overwhelming approval rating of 83 percent from attorneys voting in the Houston Bar Association's 2010 Judicial Candidate Qualification Questionnaire – a ranking that eclipsed that of the inexperienced Democrat seeking to oust him from office.
Judge Schneider‚ who was appointed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry to preside over the 315th in 2006 and elected to his first full term that same year‚ received more than four times the number of "well qualified" votes as his Democrat opponent. The poll also showed that among sitting state district judges in Harris County – both Democrats and Republicans – Judge Schneider received among the highest number of "qualified" and "well qualified" votes.
"The Pasadena Bar Association endorsements and the results of the HBA poll earlier this year clearly show that those who are in our court system understand how vital it is to have experienced judges who can handle the job," said Judge Schneider.
Since taking office‚ Judge Schneider has received praise for his even-handed temperament‚ intelligent and methodical approach to thorny legal issues and handling of several high-profile cases. He has also been a leader in working to make the courthouse more secure and making juvenile probation more efficient and responsive to taxpayers. He has led the way on improving courthouse technology‚ the quality of representation assigned to indigent defendants and been active in numerous initiatives to enhance community safety and fight overcrowding in juvenile detention facilities.
Save The Date
Judy and David Beck cordially invite you to join them in supporting their friend‚ Judge Mike Schneider‚ running for re-election to the 315th Juvenile District Court.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
5:30 - 7:00 PM
3652 Inverness
Houston, TX 77019
Please RSVP by sending an email to Mary@MikeSchneider.org
or by calling (713) 299-1219.
Campaign donations can be brought to the event or mailed in advance to:
The Judge Mike Schneider Campaign
P.O. Box 1289
Houston, TX 77251
Houston Style Magazine praises Judge Schneider
Leading African-American publication praises
judge for energy, experience
HOUSTON – Houston Style Magazine, one of the city's most popular urban weekly publications, released a profile on Judge Mike Schneider and an analysis of his race today that praises the incumbent as someone who has the "energy" and experience to handle the complex cases that move through the juvenile justice system.
"He is the type of judge who I think can discuss very complex legal issues with everyday people AND who has the personality and demeanor to manage a court room so that both sides get a fair hearing," wrote author Pamela Crawford, who recently interviewed Judge Schneider about his bid to win a second term as the judge in the 315th Juvenile District Court.
Crawford also notes that Judge Schneider is passionate about his work and that he has received the overwhelming support of Houston Bar Association members in recent judicial candidate qualification polls. She also notes that Judge Schneider's opponent, who did not respond to several interview requests, lacks experience in trying cases.
"Judge Schneider's one-word description for himself is 'energy.' He's got the energy to manage a court docket with hundreds of cases per year, while working to make the court more secure and efficient," Crawford wrote. "He also manages to speak with state lawmakers about stronger laws to protect abuse victims and families. One needs a lot of energy to manage all of that. Clearly, he's got that, as well as the ability to continuing serving as judge of this court. He's got my vote."
Judge Schneider said he was proud that a publication so respected in the African-American community would praise his work on the bench.
"Everything I've tried to accomplish as a judge has been with the goal of bringing us all together as a community to confront juvenile justice issues," said Judge Schneider. "Experience is what matters in these type of courts. I have the experience that's needed and I've been doing the job and doing it in a way to build bridges to all communities. I'm glad this publication has recognized that there's no time for on-the-job training when you're dealing with issues like child abuse and juvenile crime."
Judge Schneider leads way on reforming
Juvenile Justice System
Programs implemented, praised by
judge safeguard community and taxpayers
HOUSTON – Changes in how juvenile offenders are handled in Harris County are saving taxpayers more than $700‚000 a month and leaders from all segments of the community are becoming more involved in intense supervision efforts aimed at rehabilitating troubled kids who could be headed for a life of crime and violence.
That was the news Thursday announced by Judge Mike Schneider‚ 315th Juvenile District Court‚ and other elected officials and community leaders at a news conference conducted by Children at Risk – a group that studies juvenile justice and youth issues.
"The number of juvenile offenders sent to state correctional facilities from Harris County has dropped 62 percent since 2007‚" said Judge Schneider. "The number of juvenile offenders whose cases are transferred to the overcrowded adult court system has dropped 31 percent in the same period and placements of juveniles outside of their home has been reduced by 42 percent."
"Those reductions result in savings for taxpayers in bad economic times," said Judge Schneider‚ “but they also mean intense community supervision programs aimed at reforming juveniles and keeping the community safe are working."
"When these programs work‚" he said‚ "detention in state facilities is saved for the worst offenders‚ juveniles can be effectively sanctioned and reformed without having to clog the adult system and families are kept together. That strengthens the community."
"What we’ve tried to do in my court‚ and throughout the county‚ is get the community more invested in these kids‚" Judge Schneider said after the news conference. "When one of these juveniles is placed into an intense supervision program they’re not just being supervised by law enforcement and the court. Their families‚ friends‚ clergy‚ educators and community members become involved. That kind of collaboration and teamwork works."
Schneider praised other elected officials and groups like Children at Risk and the Annie E. Casey Foundation for joining with local officials‚ judges‚ clergy and others to address the issue of juvenile justice reform.
"Sometimes‚ as judges‚ we think the best solutions are found in our courtroom‚" said Judge Schneider. "They aren’t. We can help. However, the best solutions are found at the dinner table‚ in the community centers‚ the pews at church and the classroom."
Judge Mike Schneider decisively wins 2010 HBA Bar Poll
2010 Judicial Candidate Qualification Questionnaire
gives incumbent judge huge edge
HOUSTON – Judge Mike Schneider‚ 315th Juvenile District Court‚ received an overwhelming approval rating of 83 percent from attorneys voting in the Houston Bar Association’s 2010 Judicial Candidate Qualification Questionnaire – a ranking that eclipsed those of the two Democrats running for the right to face him at the polls in the November General Election.
Judge Schneider‚ a Republican nominee appointed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry to preside over the 315th in 2006 and elected to his first full term that same year‚ received a whopping three times the number of "qualified" and "well qualified" votes as one of his potential Democrat opponents and four times the number of such votes than the other. The poll also showed that among sitting state district judges in Harris County – both Democrats and Republicans – Judge Schneider received among the highest number of "qualified" and "well qualified" votes.
“I’m honored the legal community responded in such a fashion to the work we do in the 315th‚” said Judge Schneider‚ who is unopposed in the March 2nd Republican Primary and seeking a second four-year term this year. “We have worked hard in this court to be innovative‚ fair and efficient. I think that’s pretty well reflected in this poll. The lawyers who voted have a lot of contact with the 315th on a daily basis and they know how hard we work.”
Since taking office‚ Judge Schneider has received praise for his even-handed temperament‚ intelligent and methodical approach to thorny legal issues and handling of several high-profile cases. He has also been a leader in working to make the courthouse more secure and making juvenile probation more efficient and responsive to taxpayers. He has led the way on improving courthouse technology‚ the quality of representation assigned to indigent defendants and been active in numerous initiatives to enhance community safety and fight overcrowding in juvenile detention facilities.
“I’m confident the voters will see what the legal community recognizes‚” said Judge Schneider. “We will continue to apply energy‚ passion and commitment to the complex problems this court faces each day – everything from criminal and civil matters to cases involving domestic abuse and families. The people deserve a judge who understands these complex matters. That’s what I have provided and that’s why I’m offering myself for another term.”
Archives
Articles below consist of news coverage and press releases
produced during the 2006 campaign.
Houston Chronicle endorses Judge Schneider
Newspaper gives judge high marks for career
spent protecting children
The Houston Chronicle – the largest daily newspaper in Texas – endorsed 315th Juvenile District Judge Mike Schneider in a recent editorial that praised the Harris County jurist for his handling of high-profile cases and a career devoted to protecting children.
"I’m proud to have this endorsement‚" said Judge Schneider‚ who is the Republican nominee on the November 7th General Election ballot. "Obviously‚ the newspaper’s editorial board realizes how important it is to have qualified‚ committed and passionate judges in our juvenile courts."
After winning the Republican Primary in March and after the Honorable Kent Ellis opted to retire before the end of his term‚ Judge Schneider was appointed to preside in the 315th. The Houstonian with deep community roots and much-needed experience as a former civil prosecutor who understands all aspects of the law practiced in juvenile courts is now running for a full four-year term.
In its editorial‚ the Chronicle said: "Recently appointed to this demanding bench by Gov. Rick Perry‚ Schneider seeks re-election to a four-year term. Schneider has devoted his career to protecting children‚ both as an assistant Harris County attorney and as general counsel of Houston’s renowned Children’s Assessment Center. In his short time on the bench‚ Judge Schneider has already handled high-profile cases‚ and his demonstrated competency recommends his election to a full term."
The newspaper's backing is only one of the diverse endorsements received by Judge Schneider. He has also been endorsed by the Houston Police Officers’ Union‚ POLICE‚ Inc.‚ the Mexican-American Bar Association of Houston‚ the Jewish Herald-Voice‚ the Houston Association of Realtors‚ the "C" Club‚ the Pasadena Bar Association and the Houston Realty Breakfast Club. Several local elected officials are also supporting his campaign.
Judge Schneider also recently won the Houston Bar Association’s Judicial Preference Poll. That came after he received the most “qualified” and “well qualified votes” in the HBA Judicial Candidate Qualification Poll during the March Primary.
Judge Schneider urges people to vote
Judicial races are an important part of the ballot
315th Juvenile District Court Judge Mike Schneider reminded voters this week that Early Voting starts October 23rd and ends November 3rd and that Election Day is Tuesday‚ November 7th.
"Judges can't endorse particular candidates‚" said Judge Schneider‚ who was appointed to preside in the 315th Juvenile District Court in April and is on the ballot November 7th. "But I know we can encourage people to get involved in the process and make their preference known. This is the say we get in how things are run and that's vital‚ especially in judicial races. Your voice must be heard and voting is the best way to make sure it is."
And though a lot of media attention has been focused on the well-publicized gubernatorial race in Texas‚ Judge Schneider said voters should not forget that there are important choices to make "down the ballot."
"Our courtrooms belong to the people‚" he said. "In the case of the 315th and other juvenile courts‚ they are specifically tasked with protecting our children and our families and making sure balance is brought to the mix of criminal‚ civil and family law practiced there. The issues‚ cases and challenges we confront in our courts‚ especially our juvenile courts‚ make a big difference in our community and its future."
Judge Schneider‚ a former civil prosecutor who specialized in the trial and administration of juvenile court cases‚ is a Republican running for his first full term. He has been endorsed by a diverse mix of leaders and organizations – the Houston Police Officers Union‚ POLICE‚ Inc.‚ the Mexican-American Bar Association of Houston‚ the "C" Club and the Houston Realty Breakfast Club.
Judge Schneider recently won the Houston Bar Association's Judicial Preference Poll and earlier this year he received the most "qualified" and "well qualified" votes in the HBA Judicial Candidate Qualification Poll.
"MABAH is dedicated to issues everyone in the legal community should care passionately about – maintaining and elevating our standards of professional conduct‚ improving opportunities for Hispanic attorneys and promoting a better understanding of the legal profession to the Hispanic community and general public‚" said Judge Schneider‚ who was appointed Judge of the 315th Juvenile District Court in April. "I'm proud to have the support of this group of legal leaders."
MABAH's endorsement is yet another vote of confidence for Judge Schneider as Election Day draws closers. Judge Schneider recently won the Houston Bar Association's Judicial Preference Poll. That came after he received the most "qualified" and "well qualified" votes in the HBA Judicial Candidate Qualification Poll before the March Primary.
Judge Schneider‚ a Republican and former civil prosecutor who specialized in the trial and administration of juvenile court cases‚ is running for his first full term on the bench. He has also recently received endorsements from the "C" Club and the Houston Realty Breakfast Club.
"The campaign is holding on to its momentum and to get endorsements from such a diverse group of leaders and organizations is something that makes me happy‚" Judge Schneider said. "Our courtrooms are places where all kinds of people come together to seek justice and resolve issues. I think our campaign mirrors that."
MABAH endorses Judge Schneider
Other Groups also endorse juvenile court judge
in fall election.
The prestigious Mexican-American Bar Association of Houston (MABAH) announced this week it was endorsing 315th Juvenile District Court Judge Mike Schneider in the November 7th General Election.
Known as the largest "Hispanic law firm" in Houston‚ MABAH entered its 34th year of service to the legal community and Hispanic residents in 2006. It announced its endorsements for the upcoming election after conducting an exhaustive interview and screening process for candidates.
"MABAH is dedicated to issues everyone in the legal community should care passionately about – maintaining and elevating our standards of professional conduct‚ improving opportunities for Hispanic attorneys and promoting a better understanding of the legal profession to the Hispanic community and general public‚" said Judge Schneider‚ who was appointed Judge of the 315th Juvenile District Court in April. "I'm proud to have the support of this group of legal leaders."
MABAH's endorsement is yet another vote of confidence for Judge Schneider as Election Day draws closers. Judge Schneider recently won the Houston Bar Association's Judicial Preference Poll. That came after he received the most "qualified" and "well qualified" votes in the HBA Judicial Candidate Qualification Poll before the March Primary.
Judge Schneider‚ a Republican and former civil prosecutor who specialized in the trial and administration of juvenile court cases‚ is running for his first full term on the bench. He has also recently received endorsements from the "C" Club and the Houston Realty Breakfast Club.
"The campaign is holding on to its momentum and to get endorsements from such a diverse group of leaders and organizations is something that makes me happy‚" Judge Schneider said. "Our courtrooms are places where all kinds of people come together to seek justice and resolve issues. I think our campaign mirrors that."
Judge Schneider is choice of law enforcement
The Houston Police Officers' Union – the city's largest organization of police officers – joined other law enforcement leaders this week in endorsing 315th Juvenile District Court Judge Mike Schneider in the November 7th General Election.
"We put our lives on the line everyday to protect the law-abiding citizens of our community‚" said HPOU President Hans Marticiuc. "We are proud that we have Judge Mike Schneider on the bench to ensure that justice will always prevail."
The 4‚700 men and women who belong to HPOU joined the 2‚000 members of POLICE‚ Inc. (Peace Officers Looking Into Courthouse Excellence) in endorsing Judge Schneider.
The membership of POLICE‚ Inc.‚ which was established 10 years ago‚ consists of active and retired law enforcement officers from throughout the Greater Houston area‚ including men and women of the Houston Police Department‚ DEA‚ FBI‚ Harris County Sheriff's Department and the offices of county constables.
"Judge Schneider is a man of honor and a stand-up guy‚" said Doug Dyess‚ president of POLICE‚ Inc. "He's a great judge. We know he will look out for the children and families of this community. We know Judge Schneider is fair and always does what he says he will do."
Judge Schneider‚ who was appointed to serve as Judge of the 315th Juvenile District Court in April‚ said he was proud to have the support of HPOU and POLICE‚ Inc. and the continued backing of leaders like Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas and Harris County constables Bill Bailey‚ Glen Cheek and Ron Hickman.
"To have the support of law enforcement leaders and groups like HPOU and POLICE‚ Inc. is important‚" Judge Schneider said. "They represent a lot of folks who risk it all in the fight against crime. They know what our families and children are facing on the streets. I'm glad they recognize that law enforcement officers‚ like everyone else‚ will be treated with fairness and respect in the 315th."
Judge Mike Schneider wins HBA Poll
315th Juvenile District Court Judge Mike Schneider won an overwhelming vote of support from Houston's legal community last week in the Houston Bar Association 2006 Judicial Preference Poll.
More than 61 percent of those who ranked the candidates in the race for the 315th said Judge Schneider was their preferred choice. Judge Schneider‚ who has presided in the 315th Juvenile District Court since being appointed in April‚ is seeking his first four-year full term on the bench as the nominee of the Harris County Republican Party.
"Though the true test will come on Election Day‚ I'm happy the legal community has shown such confidence in me and how I run my court‚" said Judge Schneider‚ a Houston native and graduate of Texas A&M University and the South Texas College of Law. "The key is running a court where respect and fairness are paramount. Any attorney who steps into the 315th knows he or she will be treated with respect and that this court belongs to all the people of Texas."
The results of the 2006 Judicial Preference Poll are not a Houston Bar Association endorsement‚ but Judge Schneider said he hoped voters would find the information helpful. Early voting starts Oct. 23 and runs though Nov. 3. Election Day is Tuesday‚ Nov. 7.
Earlier this year‚ before the March primary‚ Judge Schneider also received the most "qualified" and "well qualified" votes during the HBA Judicial Candidate Qualification Poll.
"This is an important court‚" Judge Schneider said. "We deal with a complex mix of juvenile‚ family‚ criminal and civil law. We're confronting the next generation of criminals here. The stakes are high and the people deserve the best person in this job. I am the most qualified and I want to continue serving the people of Texas as Judge of the 315th Juvenile District Court."
Judge Schneider is a former assistant Harris County Attorney who specialized in the trial and administration of juvenile court cases. He is also the former general counsel to the renowned Harris County Children's Assessment Center and once supervised a team of county lawyers who had thousands of child protective custody cases pending in local courts.
Since taking the bench‚ Judge Schneider has streamlined the court's docket‚ reduced the number of pending cases and worked with local officials to make sure taxpayer money is spent wisely on juvenile detention and court facilities.