Lori Deangelo

What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

I have practiced criminal law in Harris County for 26 years. After graduating law school, I became an assistant district attorney at the Harris County District Attorney's Office. I served as a prosecutor for 20 plus years and was the chief prosecutor in the 208th District Court when I left the DA's office in February, 2019. I spent nearly five years representing indigent defendants as a criminal defense attorney before Governor Abbott appointed me as the judge of the 487th District Court.

What, if any, alternatives to incarceration do you support? Please discuss program options, as well as when and how such alternatives can be used.

As a sitting district court judge, I consider the full range of punishment in each case, including deferred adjudication as an alternative to incarceration. Deferred adjudication may include treatment programs for various issues including substance abuse or mental health. I also consider the program Young Men About Change ("YMAC") that is available for offenders under the age of 27.

In setting bail amounts, how will you balance Texas’s constitutionally mandated bail requirements with other conditions of release including minimizing any public safety threat the defendant may present to community? Please discuss both first time and repeat offenders.

When determining bail amounts, which I do on a daily basis, I consider what a defendant is accused of and take into account the person's criminal history, if any. For first time offenders charged with low level felonies, I consider whether release on a personal bond is appropriate. For repeat offenders or those charged with violent offenses, I determine what I believe to be is a reasonable surety bond amount. For violent offenders, I order an electronic monitoring device as well as a curfew.