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US Vote SmartHome » 2016-03-01 Republican primary » Montgomery County » Judge, 435th District Court |
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Judge, 435th District Court
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The district courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction of Texas. District courts have original jurisdiction in felony criminal cases, divorce cases, cases involving title to land, election contest cases, civil matters in which the amount of money or damages involved is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not placed in another trial court. While most district courts try both criminal and civil cases, in the more densely populated counties the courts may specialize in civil, criminal, juvenile, or family law matters.
Montgomery County has seven district courts. The 435th Judicial District Court hears criminal cases.
The incumbent judge for the 435th District Court is Michael Seiler, who was originally appointed in 2008 as the court's initial judge and is running for re-election.
Assertions
Articles Source 
Submitted by john wertz on 2016-02-15 11:07:14
March First Primary Election-Montgomery County-The 435th District Judge Candidates (K-Star Audio)
Major Issues
The Texas Legislature created the 435th Judicial District Court to hear virtually all cases filed under Chapter 841 of the Texas Health and Safety Code for the purpose of determining whether repeat sexual offenders should be deemed sexually violent “predators” subject to involuntary civil commitment upon their release from prison.[1]
On April 24, 2015, Seiler was publicly reprimanded by the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct for "engaged in
numerous instances in which he treated attorneys from the State Counsel for Offenders office, as well as one of their expert witnesses, in a manner that was less than patient, dignified and courteous." [1] The reprimand also found "presentation before the Texas Patriots PAC could cause a reasonable person to perceive that Judge Seiler would not be fair and impartial while presiding over civil commitment proceedings".
As a result of the reprimand, the cases assigned to Judge Seiler were reassigned and he had to complete 4 hours of additional training.
However, it is worth noting that Judge Seiler presided over a very difficult case load and often became a target for those against the sexual predator laws. Despite this, his rulings on new statutes have been upheld 98% of the time on appeal.
Judge Seiler's court has now been reassigned to hear general criminal cases and to assist in reducing the criminal case backlog in the county.
**UPDATE** - (2/29/16)
- POLITICAL ACTION You Can Believe In
**UPDATE** - (2/24/16)
- GOP precinct chairs could decide 435th judge if Seiler still wins primary
** UPDATE ** - (2/16/16)
- Seiler resigns from 435th bench, avoids criminal prosecution (Courier)
- Another point of view: SEILER RESIGNS OVER MISDEMEANOR? (County Citizen)
** UPDATE ** (2/12/16)
- MCTP PAC received the following notification from Attorney Brett Ligon:
- "Judge Mike Seiler of the 435th District Court is permanently suspending his campaign for re-election. He is no longer to be considered an official candidate. Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon will release an official statement on Tuesda , along with Mr. Seiler's Attorney, George Parnham". Statement of District Attorney Brett Ligon.
- Partial Copy of Juror letter
