Amid controversy, Judge Layne Walker has announced that he will not run for reelection, opening the door for hopeful contenders, such as attorney Langston Scott Adams, to file their candidacy for the 252nd District Court.
“I want to serve and give back to my community,” said Adams, who filed for the judgeship Monday. “I will always be fair.”
Adams, who some call the “busiest man at the Beaumont courthouse,” operates a law practice out of Port Arthur, where he takes on an array of cases, including criminal and civil.
Since the 252nd District Court can hear both criminal and civil matters but currently focuses on criminal, Adams believes his broad understanding of both areas of the law makes him a good fit to take over.
“The bulk of my practice is criminal,” Adams said. “I can be a team player though and work in collaboration with other judges should the need arise (to hear a civil case).”
Adams added that he possesses “the knowledge to take on all cases.”
One of Adams’ more notable cases include his representation of Derrick Newman, who in November 2008 filed a civil suit against five Beaumont police officers, alleging two of the officers beat and shot him with a Taser gun during a routine traffic stop.
Judge Walker was recently named in litigation alleging he violated the constitutional rights of a process server. The process server allegedly tried to serve Walker with a lawsuit while court was in session. Walker had the process server arrested on the spot.
Over the past few years, Walker has also been accused of racial disparity in sentencing. Several families claim Walker unfairly sentences African Americans. No allegations were proven.
If elected, Adams says his primary goal will be to work with the probation department, making sure those placed on probation don’t reappear in court.
He also said that if elected, he would suspend his practice and be solely focused on his judgeship.
To date, Adams will face off against Raquel West in the Democratic primary.
Carolyn Drawhorn Wiedenfeld is the only Republican running so far.
Adams is married to Angelia Adams. Their son attends St. Anne Catholic School in Beaumont.
He graduated from Port Arthur Lincoln Highscool in 1992 and in 2002 received his Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio.
Port Arthur attorney Langston Adams sets sights on 252nd District Court
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