February 15, 2016 - Mike Parker, a Republican, is seeking election as the District Judge of the 123rd Judicial District Court for Shelby and Panola Counties.
Parker is Board Certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has over thirty years experience representing East Texas individuals and businesses in Court in matters including oil and gas, employment matters, family law, personal injury, timber theft and contract disputes. He has personally tried many jury trials and handled the appeals related to such cases. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and is admitted to practice in all Texas Courts, the Eastern and Northern Districts of the United States District Court, The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
Parker previously served as Felony Prosecutor for Shelby and Panola Counties and secured convictions in cases including Capital Murder, Murder, Robbery, Burglary, Sexual Abuse of a Child, Drug Offenses and Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer. Parker says, “ I am the only candidate in the race who has handled felony criminal cases from investigation through presentation of the case to the Grand Jury, drafting the indictment, trying the case and defending the conviction from attack on appeal.”
In addition to his extensive trial experience , Parker also served as Panola County Judge which has prepared him to perform the duties of District Judge concerning juvenile matters and those involving working with the County Auditors. Parker said, “ I can hit the ground running on the first day of the term.”
Parker is active in church having served as lay pastor, song leader and Sunday School teacher. He enjoys playing the guitar and writing songs about his life and sharing them in churches throughout East Texas. His involvement in the community includes serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Panola County Development Foundation, President of the Carthage Noon Lions Club, and Board Member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. He was voted Volunteer of the Year by the Panola County Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Carthage Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shrine.
He and his wife Karen have four children and seven grandchildren and live in Carthage, Texas.
Parker, a descendant of pioneer families who settled in Panola County in the 1830's, says, “Please consider and compare my qualifications, experience and involvement which I believe have prepared me to restore efficiency, consistency, fairness and leadership in the enforcement of our laws.”
