Congrats to New 366th District Court Judge Ray Wheless.
It was a bitter-sweet week for me personally. Early this week, it was announced that Governor Perry had made the decision to appoint current Collin County Court at Law 4 Judge Ray Wheless to the 366th District Court bench. One the one hand, I celebrated Judge Wheless’ appointment because it was a great day for his family and him and because I have no doubt he will be a FANTASTIC district court judge. One the other hand, however, it is extremely sad to see the man I consider my professional mentor leave the county courthouse where most of my practice is concentrated.
I have had well over 70 trials in front of Judge Wheless in my career. In my humble opinion, Judge Wheless embodies the characteristics that we should all hope for in a judge. Judge Wheless has delivered justice when it was required, made difficult rulings without hesitation, always upheld the standards of law enforcement, and most importantly never lost his compassion for the individual accused.
In addition to his work as a county court judge, Judge Wheless has helped countless citizens overcome the burdens of addiction to get their lives back on track through his DWI / Drug Court Program. I personally have had numerous clients enter his program. The transformation that some have made with the help of Judge Wheless and his court staff through the Drug Court Program is amazing and should be recognized. I personally have witnessed lives that have been changed thanks to the hard work of all involved in the program.
Lastly, not only is Judge Wheless moving to the District Court but he is taking with him his fabulous court staff. Judge Wheless’ court staff includes; Court Coordinator, Melissa Andrews; Court Reporter, Angela Coker; and Bailiff, Bobby Chacon.
Melissa, Angela and Bobby are good friends and have always went out of their way to help attorneys, especially those who sometimes do things like forget a court date, accidentally sets hearings on a Saturday, or who tell juries to go to the “delivery” room and bring back a verdict. Sound familiar, guys? You three will be missed!
Good luck to Judge Wheless and his staff and congratulation to the citizens of Collin County. I have NO doubt that the new 366th District Court will be a court to be proud of.
