William Lee Hon Seeks Reelection as Polk County Criminanl District Attorney, LIVINGSTON, December 20, 2013 - "It is an honor to represent the people of Polk County and seek justice on their behalf," stated District Attorney William Lee Hon as he announced his candidacy for reelection. The 18-year veteran prosecutor is seeking a third term in office and filed for the March Republican Primary.
"When I took office in 2007, I set several priorities and I'm pleased that we have made significant progress over the last seven years," Hon added. "I declared war on crimes against children. We have gone to trial on multiple cases involving the sexual abuse of kids. With the support of law enforcement and juries, we achieved numerous convictions and lengthy prison sentences against individuals who victimized children."
"To increase the chances of successfully prosecuting sex offenders, in 2007 I formed a county Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) which is an effort to improve communication between law enforcement, health care workers and victims' advocates in the investigation and prosecution of sex crimes. With the support of our hospital, our county developed our first ever Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program to provide timely sexual assault exams for victims. Our SANE program is now a huge resource not only for law enforcement in Polk County but for surrounding counties," Hon stated. "A 2013 study by the University of Texas determined the Polk County SART/SANE program to be a model for the entire state of Texas in providing timely services to crime victims," Hon added.
"In 2009 my office promoted the creation of Childrenz Haven, Polk County's Children's Advocacy Center (CAC)," Hon stated. "Our CAC has proved to be an invaluable resource for child victims and their families, as well as law enforcement," Hon noted. Because of Hon's support for Childrenz Haven and aggressive prosecution of crimes against children, Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) awarded Hon the 2012 "Partners in Courage" award in Austin. In addition, Hon recently joined the CACTX statewide Board of Directors as the only prosecutor on the board.
"Another goal was to promote budgetary responsibility within the district attorney's office and to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers. I am pleased to state that my office has consistently operated within budget during my term and has returned a budget surplus to the county at the end of each fiscal year." Hon stated. "I could not be more pleased with my staff," Hon added. "You will not find a more professional group of prosecutors, investigators and support staff in any comparably sized district attorney's office in the state,".
Hon is a fifth generation Polk Countian who graduated from Livingston High School in 1984. He attended Sam Houston State University where he majored in Criminal Justice and received his bachelor's degree in 1987. He attended the University of Mississippi School of Law where he served on the editorial staff of the Mississippi Law Journal and as a member of the 1990 University of Mississippi National Trial Competition Team. Upon graduating Hon entered private practice in Greenville, Mississippi with the Campbell, DeLong Law Firm. In 1994, Hon was appointed to serve as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas and assigned to the Austin-based Criminal Law Enforcement Division. In 1996 he was appointed Assistant Criminal District Attorney for Polk County by former District Attorney John Holleman.
In his career, Hon has prosecuted thousands of felony cases for offenses ranging from capital murder to burglary, robbery, sexual assault, drug offenses, domestic violence, and crimes against children.
In 2003 at its annual meeting in New Orleans, Hon was recognized by the Association of Government Attorneys in Capital Litigation (AGACL) as one of the premier prosecutors in the country in the area of death penalty litigation. He has been invited to speak at continuing legal education programs sponsored by prosecutors' groups across Texas and the nation. He frequently guest lectures child abuse seminars at the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice. Hon is the current Chairman of the Board of Directors and immediate past President of the Texas District and County Attorney's Association (TDCAA)--the statewide organization comprised of elected and assistant prosecutors across Texas. He also serves on the Executive Board overseeing the Texas Special Prosecution Unit which prosecutes crimes committed by inmates incarcerated in TDCJ prison units such as the Polunsky Unit.
Hon has testified numerous times before Texas Legislature on legal issues relating to the criminal justice system and the death penalty. In 2007, with the assistance of Representative John Otto and Senator Robert Nichols, Hon was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 872 amending the Texas Penal Code and increasing the penalty for the offense of Tampering With Evidence. Most recently, in 2012 Hon chaired a special committee of the Texas District and County Attorney's Association tasked with investigating factors which contribute to wrongful convictions and making legislative recommendations for improvements to the criminal justice system. Several of those recommendations became law in 2013 with the legislature's passage of a comprehensive criminal discovery reform commonly known as the "Michael Morton Act."
In conclusion, Hon stated "I appreciate the support I have received over the last seven years from my family, my staff, members of the law enforcement community and, most important, the people of Polk County." "I look forward to continuing to serve as your elected District Attorney and I would appreciate your vote," Hon concluded.
