Last Pitch: Matt Hand for Potter County Court at Law #2

Prior to the March 6th primary, we invited every local candidate running for a judicial spot to tell voters their last pitch before election day. These article originally were published on Friday, March 2nd, but are being republished as a way of better educating voters on their important choices. Election Day is Tuesday, May 22nd.

Matt Hand, Republican for Potter County Court at Law #2

Why should voters choose you on May 22nd?

Potter County deserves experienced, qualified judges who are respected for their legal ability and ethics. I am the candidate who brings those qualities to the court. Knowledge and wisdom are gained only though experience. I have practiced trial law and advised clients in and around Potter County for 29 years. I am the only candidate to have met the requirements for Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS.org). Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law is achieved only though actual courtroom experience and demonstrated “Special Competence”. For the past 20 years I have been also recognized by other Amarillo Attorneys as “Distinguished” for Ethics and Legal Ability (Martindale.com). Neither of the other candidates for the court have satisfied the requirements for either recognition.

This court hears and resolves matters of great importance to the people of Potter County. It hears misdemeanor criminal matters, and while those matters make up a large number of the matters filed in the court. Almost all are dismissed or resolved through plea agreements. The majority of contested matters and trials are civil lawsuits for money damages, will contests, guardianships and family matters. Those are the matters that test the judge’s knowledge, wisdom and experience, and in those matters I am the experienced candidate.

As the judge I bring to the bench the experience of 29 years in the courtroom and trial, advising clients, managing the business of practicing law and accepting appointments of criminal cases in federal court; I also bring a 4 year college degree in law enforcement and the experience of having served an internship in a sheriff’s department where I gained first-hand experience in patrol, jail and dispatch: and I bring the experience of 30 years as a volunteer and director or board member of many non-profit groups including the Boy Scouts and the church. My experience and qualifications have earned me the endorsements of: the Amarillo Police Officer’s Association, Teamsters Local 577 and the Amarillo Globe-News. Potter County deserves nothing less in a judge.