Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Nelson.
Hi Veronica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Veronica Monique Nelson and I am running to be the first elected Judge of a brand new criminal court bench, the 482nd District Court in Harris County, Texas. Here is a little information about me and my background.
I am originally from Oakland, California, where my parents, Michael and Sharon Nelson, raised my brother and myself to be hardworking, humbled individuals who looked to serve the community. My father worked for Kaiser Permanente in the optical lab for 45 years, becoming the most senior worker in Kaiser’s history. For the last 15 years of his employment, he was the Vice President of the Optical Worker’s Union where he fought for equal and better pay for all employees. My mother was the Director of Finance for multiple nursing homes where her primary responsibilities included ensuring the financial stability of individuals at the nursing homes. I have one older brother who is a dual major graduate from Grambling State and manages a car dealership.
As a young kid growing up in Oakland, California, my parents wanted to make sure I stayed out of the criminal justice system, so they put me in many activities and I thrived at sports. I played both softball and basketball in High School and received a full athletic scholarship in softball to attend the University of California, Berkeley (Cal). While at Cal, I double majored in Legal Studies and African American studies, while being named to the Dean’s List on multiple occasions. My team also won the 2002 NCAA National Championship and I was a two time All-American, All-Academic American, and still hold many NCAA and Cal records. I was inducted into the Cal Berkeley Hall of Fame for softball in 2016.
After college, I attended the University of Alabama, School of Law on a partial academic scholarship. In Law School, I was awarded several awards including the Dean’s Community Service Award, the Order of Samaritan Medal Winner, and best papers in Adoption, Sentencing, and Mediation. In addition, I participated in an internship at the Tuscaloosa Public Defender’s Office where I was able to first chair try several cases as a third-year bar card intern.
Oakland, California exposes you to crime and poverty at an early age. I have seen the disenfranchisement and inequalities brought on by society, and I have witnessed people fighting those inequalities on a daily basis. I remember the first time I met an African American attorney. She was a prosecutor at the City Attorney’s Office who had come to my elementary school to speak to us for career day. She taught us about fighting for victims of crime, ensuring those accused were receiving just treatment, and seeking justice instead of convictions. What she told us that day stuck with me through my legal career. So during Law School, I did a two yar internship with the Tuscaloosa Public Defender’s Officer where I was able to try cases as a law student. After Law School, I applied to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where I was a prosecutor for about ten years. During that time, I was able to handle thousands of cases as Senior Prosecutor and a Chief Prosecutor. I have over 75 trials ranging from Class C speeding tickets to non-death Capital Murders. In addition, I was promoted to Chief Prosecutor in both misdemeanor and felony divisions, where I supervised junior Assistant District Attorneys, as well as, carried a caseload of serial Sexual Assaults, Capital Murders, Injury to Child (fatality), and Murders. I have also worked in the juvenile, the mental health, intake, misdemeanor, felony, and justice of the peace divisions.
In 2019, I was selected by the newly elected democrat County Court Judges to be their Staff Attorney. As Staff Attorney, I have been a part of many exciting changes in the criminal justice system, including helping educate others on the ODonnell consent decree and bail reform practices, and helping organize the Local Rules for the Manage Assigned Counsel program. Heading the start of new specialty programs to start in the County Courts like Mental Health, Domestic Violence, and Youthful Offenders. In addition, I frequently aid Judges in their appeals and post-conviction writ procedures, educate them on new legislation, and study best practices within the criminal justice system. I have seen and participated firsthand in the knowledge, demeanor, and dedication it takes to be a great judge and I am ready to take over that role.
I believe a judge needs to be accomplished, have relevant experience, and have the highest of integrity and trust. I am running to bring all those attributes to the 482nd Criminal District Court bench.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was born and raised in Oakland, California during a time period when poverty, drugs, and violence were extremely prevalent and constantly around me as a young child. Many family and friends of mine fell victim to the lifestyle. Fortunately, my parents directed me into activities to keep me from partaking in drugs or crime.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently the Staff Attorney for Harris County Courts system which means I am the attorney to 16 criminal, 4 civil, and 10 magistrate judges. I am extremely proud to be the first African American to hold this title. I primarily specialize in criminal law but through my employment, have educated myself on civil matters such as evictions. I am most proud to be a part of many new and innovative projects with the County Courts. For example, I have been able to help start a second change program that allows individuals eligible for Petition for Nondisclosures to seal their past, nonviolent records in order for them to find employment.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was signing my scholarship letter of intent in front of my parents. I was the first person on my father’s side to graduate from college and the second person on my mother’s side to do so. Being able to attend college and not having my parents be financially responsible was incredible. Especially through all the sacrifices, my parents made for me to have the best opportunities in life.
Contact Info:
- Email: vnelson4judge@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.veronicanelsonforjudge.com/meet-veronica
- Instagram: nelsonforjudge482
- Facebook: Veronica Nelson for Judge | 482nd Criminal District Court
Image Credits
Veronica Nelson campaign
