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The Democratic runoff for Dallas County's Criminal District Court No. 3 has become a competition of which candidate has the most relevant criminal law experience.

Teresa Jan Hawthorne and Audra Ladawn Riley are competing for the Democratic nomination for the criminal court bench in Dallas. The runoff victor will win the bench, as there's no Republican opponent running in November.

Riley noted that she's worked as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, and during college, she was even a corrections officer in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. She said she has a comprehensive perspective at the justice system.

"I tell you, you can't get that view point unless you have actually done the work, and I have. I have dedicated my career to criminal justice," Riley wrote. "I will bring fairness to the bench for all parties."

Hawthorne wrote that she's the most qualified and experienced because she's already been a felony court judge in the past. She's also been a criminal-defense lawyer.

"My qualifications and life experiences enable me to hand down decisions from a felony bench that are reasonable while always following the spirit and letter of the law," she wrote.

Texas Lawyer is publishing Q&As with judicial candidates in runoffs. Early voting is June 29 to July 10, and election day is July 14. Here are the Q&As for Hawthorne and Riley.

Read more: Texas Voters: Meet the Candidates Running for Judge in July Primary Runoffs

Teresa Jan Hawthorne

What is a brief biography of work experience, educational qualifications and career honors that you want voters to know about?

I have a combined 29 years experience as felony state district judge and criminal defense attorney. I have the most progressive sentencing policy at the courthouse and will continue to do so; ask any attorney. As attorney and judge, I have tried all levels of felonies including capital murders. I am a former high school English teacher; girls head coach and college academic counselor. I have a B.S., M.S., and J.D. degrees. Houston GRACE organization presented the prestigious "Fragile Gavel" award to me and it is not presented every year but only when a judge renders a decision based on the spirit and letter of the law with disregard for their own political fortunes. I am compassionate; reasonable; and fair while always following the law. I have appellate experience. My unique experiences also include working with all ethnicities and ages. I am always respectful and courteous to all who enter my courtroom. My qualifications along with my unique life experiences make me the most qualified candidate.

Why do you want this position?

I want to continue to work hard to make changes in the criminal justice system. I want to continue to protect victims of brutal crimes, especially children and animals. While on the bench I gave four life sentences. On the other hand I want to help nonviolent offenders be integrated back into society to become productive citizens. We have too many nonviolent offenders in prison serving ridiculous amounts of time. I want to use my negotiation skills to get these folks jobs, which is the best rehabilitation. I know when to incarcerate and when to rehabilitate. My life experiences far exceed my opponent's. Our tax dollars should not be spent on folks who need to work and want to work.

How are you different or better suited for the bench than your opponent?

It is imperative that our community has felony court judges with vast qualifications and experience within the criminal justice system. I am the most qualified and experienced candidate. I have served for 30 years as either a criminal defense attorney or a felony court state district judge fighting to assure that justice with mercy is served at Frank Crowley Courthouse. I take pride in serving you with honor. My qualifications and life experiences enable me to hand down decisions from a felony bench that are reasonable while always following the spirit and letter of the law. As a former school teacher, secretary, receptionist, clerk, political activist, academic counselor at Southern Methodist University, lawyer and judge, I have worked with citizens of all ethnicities, all socio-economic backgrounds and with people all ages.

I have been endorsed by but not limited to the following: Lake Highlands White Rock Democrats' Club; 23rd Tejano Senatorial District Democrats; Teamsters Union; Elite News (First Black Newspaper in Dallas County), and more than once by the Committee for a Qualified Judiciary. Also important, I have extensive experience in working with the mentally ill. As judge I managed the Atlas Program (Achieving True Liberty and Success) working with mentally ill defendants; case workers from MetroCare Services, probation officers along with drug counselors and anger management counselors. Mental health experience is so important to know and understand in order to make careful decisions in the courtroom. I am known as a jurist with the most progressive sentencing policy and will continue to uphold reasonableness while following the law in the courtroom.

How would you go about managing this court's docket efficiently and effectively?

When I was on the bench I was told that I ran the most efficient court in the building. I would continue to do that but I always keep an open mind and listen to others when they have any ideas that would improve your public court in a more efficient and effective manner. My staff knew and will know that I am always approachable. I believe in having a courteous demeanor with an open door policy for all.

Where can voters go for more information about you?

Audra Ladawn Riley

What is a brief biography of work experience, educational qualifications and career honors that you want voters to know about?

Audra Ladawn Riley Audra Ladawn Riley. Photo: Courtesy Photo

I graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law with honors. My career started at Dallas County District Attorney's Office. I was at the DA's office for almost 10 years. I tried numerous including driving while intoxicated, aggravated robbery, child abuse and murder cases. I am now in private practice focusing on criminal defense work. I also worked my way through undergraduate school by working as a guard at the Texas Department of Corrections. I saw first-hand the conditions of prison.

Why do you want this position?

I want this position because I am passionate about fairness and equality. I know what equality looks like because I have practiced from both sides of criminal law. I have an appreciation for prosecutors protecting the community. I have passion for protecting the rights of people accused of crimes.

How are you different or better suited for the bench than your opponent?

I am better suited for this position because I will bring fairness to the bench for all parties involved. Justice isn't one sided; nor is justice one size fits all. My experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney and prison guard has allowed me to have a comprehensive perspective as to what justice should look like. And I tell you, you can't get that view point unless you have actually done the work, and I have. I have dedicated my career to criminal justice and I am now ready to serve as the next judge of Criminal District Court No. 3.

How would you go about managing this court's docket efficiently and effectively?

I would have status conferences with the state and defense attorneys to ensure that cases are being managed effectively. I would try the cases that need to be tried in a timely manner. I would also like to implement an afternoon docket to dispose of non-violent cases quicker.

Where can voters go for more information about you?