David Fleischer (judge)
David Marcel Fleischer | |
|---|---|
| Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 5 | |
| Assumed office January 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Margaret Harris |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | |
David Marcel Fleischer is an American judge currently serving on the Harris County Criminal Court in Texas.[1] He was first elected to the position in 2018, running as a Democrat, and won reelection in 2022.[1][2][3] Fleischer is popular online for dismissing many cases where black defendants are charged without significant probable cause and for his unique style of holding defendants accountable while offering guidance.[4][5]
Biography
[edit]Fleischer is a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from Santiago, Chile to Houston in 1973.[6][7] He graduated from the University of Houston and Cooley Law School.[2] Fleischer has been a lawyer in Texas since 2004 and was a criminal defense attorney before running for public office.[7]
In 2018, Fleischer ran for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 5 after incumbent Margaret Harris declined to run for reelection.[6][8] He focused his campaign on reforming the court and ensuring that all defendants are treated fairly and equally.[2][6] In the Democratic primary, he faced two challengers and received 50% of the vote, moving on to the general election.[9] In the general election, Fleischer defeated Republican Xavier Alfaro 55.13% to 44.87%.[8][10]
Once in office, Fleischer worked with other reform judges to settle lawsuits that ruled the bail practices in Harris County were unconstitutional.[1] Under the enacted bail reform, there was a significant reduction of people denied a bond for misdemeanor offenses as well as defendants not being jailed for being late to court or testing positive for marijuana.[1] In 2024, Fleischer received national attention for his viral videos for his blunt commentary while ruling on cases, while also providing guidance and compassion for defendants.[4][11] He has also received praise for his stance on racial justice and for dismissing cases involving potential racial profiling by law enforcement.[4][5][12] Some defense attorneys have criticized Fleischer for "playing to the camera" when live streaming his cases.[5]
Fleischer ran for re-election in 2022 and faced two District Attorney challengers, a Democrat and a Republican.[1] In the March primary election, Fleischer defeated challenger Carlos Aguayo 53.48% to 46.52%.[13] In the general election, he faced Elizabeth Buss who had criticized the county's progressive judges for the increase in violence.[1] Fleischer defended the county's bail reform, saying, "We put in a lot of work [to show] that any fear that someone might have had about bail reform is just nonsensical in the misdemeanor arena."[14] In the November election, Fleischer narrowly defeated Buss, 50.15% to 49.85%.[3][15]
Personal life
[edit]Fleischer is married and has three children with his wife.[2] His mother is Jewish.[16]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Barajas, Michael; Ewing, Maura (February 25, 2022). "Judicial Elections Test Profound "Cultural Shift" in Houston". Bolts. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Judicial Q&A: David Fleischer | Off the Kuff". Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- ^ a b Harab, Matt (January 6, 2023). "Alexandra Mealer, Harris County Judge candidate, among Republicans contesting election results". Houston Public Media. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Texas judge becomes internet hit". ABC News. December 8, 2024. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ a b c Wilburn, Caroline (December 22, 2024). "Houston Judge Fleischer wants to help those who enter his courtroom. Some argue his viral videos are harmful". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c Tallet, Olivia P. (March 3, 2018). "Q&A: David M. Fleischer". Chron. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ a b "All rise … The Honorable Judge Hill presiding". jhvonline.com. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- ^ a b "For County Criminal Court No. 5: Xavier Alfaro". Houston Chronicle. October 16, 2018. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
Judge Margaret Harris isn't running for reelection and voters have a choice between two well-qualified challengers for this open seat.
- ^ "Democratic Party Cumulative Report" (PDF). Harris County. March 14, 2018. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ "Cumulative Report — Official" (PDF). Harris County. November 14, 2018. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ "Texas Judge unexpected response to man's marijuana arrest - Upworthy". www.upworthy.com. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- ^ F, Yasmeen (June 14, 2024). "'What's He Doing Wrong?': Headstrong Texas Judge Condemns Cops for Racial Profiling Black Man Arrested While Walking In a Park with Epic Response". Atlanta Black Star. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
- ^ "Cumulative Results Report" (PDF). Harris County. March 10, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ Carlton, Rachel (September 29, 2022). "Harris County misdemeanor bail reform in spotlight as judicial elections loom". Community Impact. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ "Cumulative Results Report" (PDF). Harris County. November 19, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ Hardy, Jen (August 22, 2024). "Judge David Fleischer Interview, (Harris County Texas)". YouTube.