JULIE RENKEN SEEKING THIRD TERM AS WASHINGTON CO. DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Washington County District Attorney Julie Renken has announced she will be seeking a third term in office.
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Renken, who has held the office since 2013, announced Wednesday she will run for re-election in 2020.
Prior to being elected District Attorney, Renken served as the Washington County Attorney from 2001-2012, and as an Assistant District Attorney in Washington and Burleson Counties from 1996-2000. Before becoming a prosecutor, Renken worked as a Briefing Attorney for the 7th Court of Appeals in Amarillo.
As of September 1st, Renken’s jurisdiction only consists of Washington County. Prior to that date, her district included both Washington and Burleson Counties.
Since 2013, the District Attorney’s Office has successfully prosecuted Aggravated Robberies, Aggravated Sexual Assaults, Murders, habitual offenders and drug dealers to juries. Many of those prosecutions led to sentences between 45 years and life in prison.
Renken believes that it is just as important to attempt rehabilitation for those new to the criminal justice system, as well as those with substance abuse issues, cognitive issues, and mental health issues. In December, Renken plans to begin a Pre-trial Diversion Felony Program for first time offenders with certain non-violent State Jail and third degree felony charges.
Locally, Renken is a former Chairman of the Washington County Chamber board and Vice Chairman of the Faith Mission board. She also spent seven years on the board of Scotty’s House, the Child Advocacy Center in Bryan that works with local law enforcement in the investigation of Child Sex crimes. She currently serves on the board of the Heritage Society of Washington County, and the board of Brenham’s Athletic Booster Club.