Vivian King

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

I have practiced criminal law for 32 years, both as a prosecutor and defense attorney. I am Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I have represented over 1,000 people; 1st chaired over 150 jury trials in state & federal courts; authored over 50 appeals; taught trial skills classes at Thurgood Marshall School of Law; served as a City of Houston Hearing Examiner; created diversion programs for non-violent offenders and taught many young lawyers trial skills.

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

Non-violent offenders can benefit from Diversion Programs that provide job training, mentorship and long-term mental health treatment. As the First Assistant in the DA's office, in 2017, I drafted the marijuana diversion program that is so popular today. In 2021, I created various 2-hour online diversion programs for non-violent offenders at a cost of $50. After completion, the person is eligible to get that criminal case expunged in accordance with state law.

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.

First, I will follow the Texas Constitution Art.1, Section 11a & 11b and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. I will first consider all public safety issues presented and balance them against the persons current contributions to society (work, dependent children, financial obligations) in setting reasonable bonds. Depending on one's criminal history, most non-violent offenders should be eligible for PR personal recognizance bonds.