David Farr's Next Battle | Rick Perry Appointee vs. Robert Hinojosa for 312th Judicial District Court| Family Court Bench Race | Family Law Center Houston Texas Harris County TX

Republican David D. Farr v. Democrat Roberto Hinojosa
Contested Race for 312th Family District Court Bench in Harris County, Texas
Houston Opinions

Note: This court was previously presided over by Judge James D. Squier who resigned his bench to run for the 22nd
congressional seat (as Jim Squier), but did not make it into the run-off. Although well-liked by family law attorneys, Squier
only garnered 1.76% of the votes (less than 1000) in a crowded primary race sporting no less than ten candidates. See
Republican primary results for 22nd Congressional District.

For court contact info see ---> official county web page for the 312th District Court

David D. Farr, a former associate judge in the Harris County Family Law Center was named by the
Governor of Texas to fill the vacancy until a presiding judge is elected and takes office. Judge Farr would
like to keep the job, however, and has already kicked off his election campaign. He is not the only
candidate in the race. Family law attorney Donna Jean Detamore is taking on Farr in the Republican
primary.

Robert Hinojosa has announced and filed as a sole Democratic Party candidate for this bench.

UPDATE: Incumbent David Farr has a big lead over his Republican rivals in the Houston Bar
Association's 2008 judicial qualification poll, and the lowest number of "not qualified" ratings
overall. The ratings are more competitive with respect to the Democratic candidate, who runs
unopposed. See graph:

Houston Chronicle Endorses Farr: Deserving Veteran

• Judge, 312th Family District Court, Republican David Farr — The incumbent, Farr has earned
the respect of the family bar. An officer in the Texas Army National Guard, Farr's service to
community and country recommends him to receive his party's nomination for this bench.

Three-way race on the Republican side may require run-off

Neither the outcome of the primary contest, nor that of the general election are a foregone
conclusion, however. Party affiliation, of course, provides no guide for voting decisions in the
primary since each party has its own. Nor are the attorneys who participated in the poll
representative of the primary electorate, which may be motivated by factors that have nothing to
do with individual merits of candidates or their reputations in the legal community. There is thus a
distinct possibility of no clear winner in the first round, and the need for a run-off, especially if sex
of the candidate should play a role in voting decisions. Hillary supporters, though, do not have a
female candidate in this race, not to mention two.

The Houston Bar Association insists on the following disclaimer regarding the significance of the
poll results: "The Judicial Qualification Poll is not an endorsement by the Houston Bar
Association."

Another caveat is also in order: the low participation rate even for lawyers. Though higher than in
2006, the number of questionnaires returned by Houston lawyers was only 2,068. Of these, about
25% rated the candidates in the contest for this 312th District Court bench, which is the only
family court race on the ballot this year. That said, the votes tallied in the local bar poll represent
the judgment of those most likely to be familiar with incumbent judges and the challengers from
the ranks of their peers. They likely have an informed opinion they deem worth expressing and
sharing with others. While not necessarily representative of the Houston bar, much less of the
primary voters or the general public, the huge discrepancies seen in the ratings for the candidates
by those best positioned to judge them surely carries some weight.

RECENT APPEALS FROM CASES IN THE 312TH FAMILY DISTRICT COURT, HOUSTON
HARRIS COUNTY

Sloan v. Sloan (Tex.App.- Houston [14th Dist.] Oct. 9, 2008)(per curiam) (no appellate jurisdiction to
review interlocutory order denying indigency status)
DISMISSED: Per Curiam
Before Chief Justice Hedges, Justices Guzman and Brown
14-08-00181-CV Andre Sloan v. Doreen (Baker) Sloan
Appeal from 312th District Court of Harris County
Trial Court Judge: David D. Farr

In re Scally (Tex.App. - Houston [1st Dist.] Sep. 4, 2008)(per curiam)
DENY PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS: Per Curiam
By petition for writ of mandamus and writ of prohibition, relator, Michael C. Scally, seeks relief to vacate the trial court's June
4, 2008 order, claiming that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to revive a cause that Scally contends had been dismissed.
We deny the petition for writ of mandamus and writ of prohibition. See Lehmann v. Har-Con Corp., 39 S.W.3d 191, 205-06
(Tex.2001). We overrule all pending motions as moot.
Before Justices Nuchia, Alcala and Hanks
01-08-00475-CV        In re Michael C. Scally
Appeal from 312th District Court of Harris County
Trial Court Judge: Hon. David Farr
Attorneys:     L. T. "Butch" Bradt, Betsy L. Grubbs, Corwin L. Teltschik
Elise Martin-Simon | Joseph Indelicato, Jr. | Donna J. Detamore

In Re OAG of Texas (Tex.App.- Houston [14th Dist.] Aug. 19, 2008)(Brown)
(petition for mandamus challenging order granting bill of review and lifting child support judgment and lien
denied)
MOTION OR WRIT DENIED: Opinion by Justice Brown
Before Justices Brock Yates, Guzman and Brown
14-08-00665-CV In Re The Office of the Attorney General of Texas
Appeal from 312th District Court of Harris County
Trial Court Judge: Hon. David D. Farr

Baugh v. Baugh (Tex.App.- Houston [14th Dist.] May 16, 2008)(Opinion by Justice William Boyce)
(divorce, bench warrant denied to incarcerated spouse, denial of counsel)
AFFIRMED: Opinion by Justice Boyce
14-07-00391-CV Curtis Lee Baugh v. Bertha L. Baugh
Appeal from 312th District Court of Harris County
Trial Court Judge: Associate Judge Brent L. Burg

In Re OAG of Texas (Tex.App.- Houston [14th Dist.] Aug. 19, 2008)(Brown)
(petition for mandamus challenging order granting bill of review and lifting child support judgment and lien
denied)
MOTION OR WRIT DENIED: Opinion by Justice Brown
Before Justices Brock Yates, Guzman and Brown
14-08-00665-CV In Re The Office of the Attorney General of Texas
Appeal from 312th District Court of Harris County
Trial Court Judge: Hon. David D. Farr

Baugh v. Baugh (Tex.App.- Houston [14th Dist.] May 16, 2008)(Opinion by Justice William Boyce)
(divorce, bench warrant denied to incarcerated spouse, denial of counsel)
AFFIRMED: Opinion by Justice Boyce
14-07-00391-CV Curtis Lee Baugh v. Bertha L. Baugh
Appeal from 312th District Court of Harris County
Trial Court Judge: Associate Judge Brent L. Burg

      HARRIS COUNTY FAMILY LAW CENTER

There is only one judicial race in the Houston Family
Courts this year. Appointed Incumbent David Farr
defeated two challengers in the Republican primary
and faces Democrat Robert aka Roberto M. Hinojosa,
who is also board-certified in family law, in the
general election. Warrior on the Bench? Farr points
to his military service as an additional reason why
voters should favor him to preside over courtroom
battles. In that theater, however, Hinojosa happens
to have a longer service record than the youngish
incumbent. (Not to mention that Hinojosa is a vet,
too, although he has not made it the centerpiece of
his campaign).

Harris County Family Law Center
Family Court Judges

245th District Court     Judge Annette Kuntz p/k/a Galik
246th District Court     Judge Jim York
247th District Court     Judge Bonnie Crane Hellums
257th District Court     Judge Judy Warne
308th District Court     Judge Georgia Dempster
309th District Court     Judge Frank Rynd
310th District Court     Judge Lisa Millard
311th District Court     Judge Doug Warne
312th District Court     Judge David Farr
312th District Court     Formerly Judge James D. Squier

2006 Family Law Cases from Houston Courts of Appeals
Termination of Parental Rights | Marital Property Disputes
Domestic Relations Case Law from Other Texas Courts
Houston Opinions Home Page | Houston Judges & Courts

Who is the current judge in the 312th Family District Court? - David
Farr | Not to be confused the other Judge Farr
Associate Judge of the 257th David Farr replaces Jim Squier
To keep the job, Judge Farr must beat two women family law
attorneys in the Republican primary and a Democratic challenger in
the general election.
Nov. 28, 2007 - Governor Rick Perry appoints associate judge Farr to
Houston Divorce Court bench vacated by Judge J im Squier.

Candidates for 312th Family Court Bench	Not Qualified	Qualified	Well Qualified
David Farr (Republican Incumbent)	94	95	302
Shery Y. Dean (Republican Challenger)	262	91	38
Donna Detamore (Republican Challenger)	269	106	46
Robert Hinojosa (Democratic Candidate)	109	156	291

script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">

Donna Detamore is no stranger to family court
politics either, having previously challenged the
incumbent of the 245th District Court, then known
as Annette Galik, arguably the most vulnerable
incumbent in the Houston divorce courts, who does
poorly in local Bar polls and narrowly won reelection
the last time around. Another contender in the
Republican primary - and also a veteran of a
campaign to oust Judge Galik - is Sheri Y. Dean,
who promises a positive campaign, thus setting
herself off from the rather combative
no-holds-barred style for which Detamore has
made herself known.

Hon. David D. Farr
Appointed 312th Family District Court Judge
in Harris County, Texas - Republican Incumbent in 2008 Election
Houston Opinions

Republican Incumbent David Farr

Democratic Challenger Robert Hinojosa

Please describe your education, your occupation, and the
training and experience that qualify you for this position.
(50 word limit)

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

	FARR RESPONDS: Judge, 312th Family District Court since 11/2007. Former Associate Judge, 257th Family Court. Family Law Board Certification. Former child support prosecutor, Harris County Domestic Relations. Private practice experience. Highly rated by Houston Bar Association. Lieutenant Colonel, Texas Army National Guard JAG and Global War on Terror/Operation Enduring Freedom veteran.


		Soldier Farr: experienced and ready for battle - abroad, at home, in the courtroom, and on the campaign trail.

HINOJOSA RESPONDS: I am a former family
district court judge and have practiced family law
over 36 years, as a trial attorney handling every
facet of family law many times; a board-certified
specialist since 1978; a frequent speaker on family
law topics throughout Texas. I have the knowledge,
competence, ethics and compassion.

Anteriormente fui juez de una corte familiar de
distrito y he ejercido leyes por más de 36 años,
como abogado tribunal manejando muchas veces
toda clase de ley familiar; especialista certificado
por junta directiva desde 1978; orador frecuente en
tópicos de ley familiar por todas partes de Texas.
Tengo el conocimiento, competencia, ética y
compasión.

What do you see as the most critical administration of
justice issue facing Family courts?
How would you address it? (60 word limit)

PROBLEMS FACING HOUSTON FAMILY COURT
SYSTEM AND HOW TO FIX THEM

Crowded dockets. Our population has exploded.
There are only nine family law courts in
Harris County. Even in efficient courts, some
cases aren’t resolved for two or three years. That
puts strains on families and children. In the 312th,
I have streamlined docket procedures and
enforced stricter mediation requirements to
address this issue.

Whenever there is the reality or the appearance of
a conflict of interest. I have had personal or
professional contact with thousands of citizens, as
clients, opponents or personal friends, as a trial
attorney over 36 years, and as a community and
church activist. When a litigant or witness is
someone I know, I raise the issue immediately.

Cada vez que existe la realidad o la apariencia de
conflicto de interés. He tenido contacto personal o
profesional con miles de ciudadanos, como clientes,
contrincantes o amigos personales, como abogado
tribunal de más de 36 años, y como activista de la
comunidad y de la iglesia. Cuando un litigante o
testigo es alguien que conozco, alzo el asunto
inmediatamente.

THE CANDIDATES COMPARED: RESPONSES TO LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS QUESTIONNAIRE

General election lineup for the 312th Judicial District Court (Family Court)
Republican Incumbent David Farr vs. Democrat Robert Hinojosa
(click name to go to campaign websites)
What does the local Bar think about the candidates? Houston lawyers participating in
the HBA Judicial Preference Poll gave Judge Farr 694 votes and his opponent Robert Hinojosa 734.
It is rare for an incumbent to receive fewer votes than the challenger. Farr, who got the job thanks to
appointment to a vacancy by Republican Governor Rick Perry, beat two women candidates in the
primary contest who were deemed "not qualified" by wide margins in an earlier bar poll. (see below)

Oct. 28. 2008 - HOUSTON CHRONICLE
RECOMMENDS HINOJOSA IN THE GENERAL
ELECTION CONTEST

• Robert Hinojosa for Family District Judge, 312th
District, unexpired term: A family lawyer with 36 years'
experience, the Democratic Hinojosa spent a year as
judge of the 308th Family District Court before losing the
post in a 1994 Republican sweep. He has served as
associate judge in City of Houston Municipal Courts and
as judge advocate in the Air Force. He is able to preside
over cases in Spanish as well as English.

DAVID FARR DEFEATED: REP David Farr 535,218 Votes 48.70%
DEM Robert Hinojosa 563,818 Votes 51.30% See all Harris County Election
Results