Tiffany Burks
Experience:
24 years of experience as an assistant district attorney with 13 of those years leading, training and mentoring over 100 attorneys; tried close to 200 cases to verdict and complex criminal cases. Deputy chief, criminal division 2015-21; chief, felony courts and gang unit 2008-15; gang and homicide unit, 2004-08; felony division, 2002-04; U.S. Department of Justice Gun Grant Position, Juvenile Services 2000-02; Misdemeanor and Juvenile Division, 1999-2000.
Occupation:
Attorney
Candidate Website:
https://www.tiffanyburksforda.com
Contact Information:
817-247-5495
Why are you running for office?
I am running for Tarrant County district attorney because Tarrant County deserves safe neighborhoods through rigorous, yet thoughtful prosecutions. They deserve someone who has the courtroom and leadership experience to lead the district attorney’s office, someone with a reputation for being fair and measured and a leader guided by an unwavering commitment to fairness and justice for everyone. I have done that in my public service career and will continue to do so once elected.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing Tarrant County?
The biggest challenges facing Tarrant County is an increase in violent crime, a backlog of criminal cases, mental health and drug-related offenses, and domestic violence. We must keep our community safe, and we can do that while addressing specific issues that oftentimes lead to and perpetuate criminal conduct. I have a record of being tough on crime. I believe we must now complement being tough with being smart on crime.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
The immediate priorities are addressing staffing deficiencies, the backlog of cases and the increase in violent crime. Over the last seven year, many attorneys and staff left the DA’s office leaving a gaping hole of experience within the office. I have the reputation to bring experienced prosecutors back to the office to manage the backlog. I will also bring back the narcotics unit and increase staffing in the gang unit to work with law enforcement to address violent crime.
If you are elected, what can residents expect from you?
Tarrant County residents can expect a well-run, well-led and well-organized district attorney’s office that makes the safety of all communities the priority while fairly seeking justice and accountability. They can expect an office that is transparent and engaging with the community while putting the needs of the people over politics and political agendas.
Phil Sorrells
Experience:
Tarrant County assistant district attorney;,Tarrant County Criminal Court judge
Occupation:
Retired judge
Candidate Website:
https://www.PhilSorrells.com
Contact Information:
817-405-0006
Why are you running for office?
I have worked in the criminal justice system my entire career, first as a prosecutor and then as a judge. I’m running because I want to make a bigger difference. I’ve seen first hand how important it is to have a strong district attorney. The next district attorney must be a tough and experienced advocate for the citizens. I will be that advocate.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing Tarrant County?
There is an overwhelming backlog of cases due to COVID[-19] restrictions. While courts were closed for jury trials, criminals continued to commit crimes, resulting in a backlog of incredible dimension. I will ask the judiciary to employ visiting judges to hear cases along with all of the current judges, increasing the number of jury trials and decreasing the backlog.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
Public safety is my No. 1 priority. I will support law enforcement. The police will know the district attorney’s office has their back. I will aggressively prosecute criminal conduct by illegal aliens. I will stop the low cash bail release of criminals and go after the thousands of criminals who are roaming our streets with active warrants.
If you are elected, what can residents expect from you?
As district attorney, I promise to support our police, aggressively prosecute criminal conduct by illegal aliens, and end the low cash bail release of violent criminals. Residents can expect a district attorney worthy of their trust; I will keep this a safe community where we can all live, work, play, learn and worship without fear. I will hold criminals accountable and will seek justice for those they prey upon.
