January 12, 2010

Dear Friend:

I wanted you to know that I am seeking re-election as Criminal District Attorney and hope to get your vote and support.  Four years ago, I campaigned on a platform that experience matters for the job of District Attorney, specifically 20 years of jury trial experience. I have tried 126 jury trials as a prosecutor and 66 jury trials as a defense lawyer. My experience and reputation has allowed me to assemble and train the most talented group of prosecutors this county has ever had.

In three years, we have taken a District Attorney’s office that was underperforming and completely overhauled it.

Sheriff David Byrnes, a former Texas Ranger Captain, said, “I have worked in law enforcement for 40 years in different counties all over the state and this is the best District Attorney’s office I have worked with.” Texas Ranger Richard Shing, who worked in Kaufman County from 1986 through 2008, concurs.  “Rick Harrison came in and revamped the District Attorney’s office . . . His experience allowed that office to make a quick turnaround and improve dramatically.”

I am proud to have the endorsement of Ranger Shing, Sheriff Byrnes (2001-Present), former Kaufman County Sheriffs Robert Harris (1985-2000) and Roy Brockway (1965-1985), and other police chiefs and agencies in our county.  The endorsement of law enforcement is the best compliment our office could receive.

The numbers for the last three years speak for themselves:

• Have won every felony jury trial. 100% conviction rate. Twelve (12) life or 99-year verdicts.
• Improved misdemeanor jury trial conviction rate from 40% in 2006 to 80% in 2008 and 2009.
• Collected close to $700,000 in restitution and merchant fees for county business owners, doubling the previous 3 year record of $280,000.
• Helped spearhead the formation of the Kaufman County Children’s Advocacy Center to improve investigation and prosecution of defendants who have sexually and physically abused children.
• Felonies indicted in 60 days versus 6 months in previous years.
• Cases disposed of in 6-9 months versus 2-3 years previously.
• Saved county and taxpayers over $500,000 in court-appointed attorney, jail housing, and jury trial costs

What does that mean to you?  It means that in the last three years, the county has become safer for you and your kids.  Criminals are off the streets faster and in prison faster.  Cases do not drag on for the victim of the crime.  Restitution for victims and business owners is collected faster.

My opponents mislead the public and do not give specific numbers concerning their jury trial experience.  They are not qualified by state and local guidelines to represent defendants charged with first and second degree felonies (capital murder, murder, rape, child molestation, aggravated robbery) because they have not tried enough felony cases or sat second chair in trial with qualified lawyers to gain qualification.  Neither of them has tried a felony jury trial as a prosecutor and I have over ninety felony jury trials as a prosecutor.  If these candidates are not qualified to represent murderers, rapists, child molesters, and high level dope dealers, how are they qualified to represent the victims of these crimes? 

Finally, many of you have heard about my misdemeanor DWI arrest in Dallas last summer.  I apologized for my mistake in judgment and have taken steps to correct my behavior.  I completed an eight week alcohol treatment program in Dallas.  I attend two meetings a week, one in Dallas and one at my church in Forney.  I have not had a drink since the incident.   I am grateful and humbled by the experience and counseling I have received.  Like many people, I am strong enough to separate my personal life from my job and the decisions I make at my job.  My mistake has not affected the integrity or performance of my office.

I hope you will consider all of the above when you make your decision on who will be the next District Attorney of Kaufman County.  I humbly ask for your vote and support.  Early voting for the Republican primary begins February 16th and March 2nd is the primary voting date.

Thanks for your time and best wishes for 2010.

Rick Harrison