WIMBERLEY — Kelly Higgins, a defense attorney who has worked in Hays County since 2002, has filed as the sole democratic candidate for Hays County Criminal District Attorney. Higgins attended Southern Methodist University, graduating in 1999 with a B.A. in History, and the University of Texas School of Law, receiving his J.D. in 2002. He resides in Wimberley.
Submitted report by candidate
Since 2002, I've worked in the Hays County courts in the field of criminal defense. This has brought me very close to the District Attorney's Office, and to the attorneys and staff working in that office, for almost twenty years. I know the courthouse, its history, and its people. I belong in our courthouse, and I’ll continue working there regardless of the outcome of this election.
My experience in Hays County courts includes well over a thousand cases, with scores of hearings and dozens of jury trials, always insisting on the fairness guaranteed by our Constitution and laws. From a zealous new lawyer two decades ago, I have matured into a serious, thoughtful, and effective lawyer by maintaining integrity and candor in our courts.
My devotion to Constitutional principles and my respect for our courts are well known in our courtrooms. This combination of respect, familiarity, and experience makes me uniquely qualified to undertake the task of righting the ship of the District Attorney's Office in Hays County.
The problems faced by the next DA come from two sources. First, the population growth in our county has outstripped our criminal justice infrastructure. We are not a county of little towns any more. Our courts are log-jammed with cases awaiting resolution. The pandemic has frustrated efforts to improve an already untenable docket of cases. Second, our current District Attorney has, over the last eight years, failed to provide leadership that addresses that growth. The resources are there. Our courts are excellent. It’s leadership that’s lacking.
My first goal, without which nothing else can change, is for the office to become an example of legal, ethical, and Constitutional integrity. I am talking about real devotion to law and order as written and intended. I am talking about being honest inside the courtroom and out. Through this, all the necessary changes are within reach. Reform through Integrity.
Those goals include the establishment of a Mental Health Court, reform of pre-trial intervention agreements, and increased efforts to prevent DWI. I will use Restorative Justice to achieve healing and redress beyond the courtroom. I will work with the Sheriff and courts to alleviate overcrowding in our jail, and to provide resources to our police. All this and more are part of the overall goal of making Hays County a safe and sensible place for all residents, officers, and visitors.
I am proud of our beautiful county and its people. I want to see them enjoy what they deserve: law, order, integrity, and safety.
