- Eastwood H.S. Graduated: 1968, National Honor Society
- B.A. University of Texas at El Paso. Graduated: 1972 with honors
- J.D. Texas Tech University 1972 – 1975
- Commissioned 2nd Lt. U.S. Army – May 1972, Honorable Discharge – Captain U.S. Army 1980
- First Assistant District Attorney: 1978 through 1986.
Tried over 100 felony jury trials, including 30 homicide cases - State Ethics Commission 1983 – 1986 – Vice Chairman 1986
- Elected 5 times to the 34th District Court – 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004
- Jury Trial Experience as a Judge: Over 500 Felony and Civil Cases
- Fought to have juror’s pay raised from $6 to $40
- Twice Democratic Nominee for Texas Supreme Court ’02, ‘06
- Led Democratic Statewide Ticket ’06 with over 45% of vote and received almost 2 million votes
- Numerous Judicial, Civic and Community Service Awards
- Devoted father, grandfather, and husband of strong faith