Appointments
Leslie Timmons was appointed as the District Attorney for the 31st Judicial District, which includes Gray, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Roberts, and Wheeler Counties. Her term is set to expire on December 31 or until a successor is elected and qualified. Timmons has served as the County Attorney in Wheeler County since 2013 and as the County Attorney in Roberts County before that.
Honors
Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R–Brenham) was presented with TDCAA’s Law and Order award for her efforts during the 89th Regular Session. Senator Kolkhorst helped pass SB 888, which allows the Texas Attorney General to represent local prosecutors in lawsuits concerning state laws. This law came from prosecutors in Smith and Burleson Counties, who notified Senator Kolkhorst of the need for this support. She also passed SB 745, which increased the penalty for intoxication manslaughter to a first-degree felony if more than one person is killed. Senator Kolkhorst also continues to be a champion for protecting children in the CPS (Child Protective Services) system as Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.
David Escamilla, former County Attorney in Travis County and one-time TDCAA Board President, was honored with the dedication of a conference room bearing his name at the CA’s Office.
Neil Kucera, an assistant criminal district attorney in Hays County, received the Texas Environmental Excellent Award (individual category) from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This award honors achievements in environmental preservation and protection and is the highest environmental honor awarded by the state of Texas. Kucera serves as his office’s environmental attorney and leads the Environmental Enforcement Division.
Dayatra Rogers, TDCAA’s Database Manager & Registrar, was recognized in at the end of June for her 20th year at the association.