Terry Shamsie (D)
What is/was your profession?
I have been a lawyer for over 36 years and previously served Nueces County as an assistant county attorney, County Court at Law Judge, and Nueces County Judge.
What relevant experience can you bring to the office?
I have been a courtroom trial attorney for over 36 years. I graduated from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas in 1987, in addition to graduating from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa with a B.A. degree in accounting. Along with my prior public service as the Nueces County Judge and County Court at Law Judge, I have the ability to address not only the administrative demands of the office of Nueces County District Attorney’s office, but also the legal complexity of the office as well.
How have your life experiences prepared you for this position?
During my 36 years of trial experience, I have handled complex criminal trial cases both as a judge and a defense attorney, My educational background and courtroom trial experience over the years has enabled me with the necessary skill set to be prepared to address the demands of the office.
Which problems would you address on your first day in office?
The first day in office would involve the reassignment of experienced lawyers to specific violent crime cases that are pending, along with limiting their individual caseload to assure they have time to adequately prepare for trial. This along with assuring an aggressive effort to recruit more assistant district attorneys to the office.
What do you see as long-term issues that need to be addressed throughout your time in office?
The most compelling issue that has plagued the Nueces County District Attorney’s office is the underfunding and inadequate pay scales for assistant district attorneys. The pay scale is so inadequate, it makes nearly impossible to attract attorneys to apply for these positions. For most positions at the district attorney’s office, the pay is between 20-30 percent below the pay rate of the surrounding counties.
What is local government doing well right now that needs to be expanded further?
In regards to the Nueces County District Attorney’s office, the cooperation with the Corpus Christi Police Department along with other law enforcement agencies, has assisted in the ability for the office to gather the reports and evidence more efficiently to enable the District Attorney’s office to prosecute crimes.
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JIMMY GRANBERRY (R)
What is/was your profession? Are you now retired?
I am a criminal lawyer with 35 years of experience: four years as a felony prosecutor from 1990 to 1994 and 31 years as a criminal defense attorney. I also spent two years with Thornton Summers doing insurance defense work. I am currently the District Attorney for the 105th Judicial District of Texas by way of Governor Gregg Abbott's appointment. I was sworn in by County Judge Connie Scott on October 6th, 2024. I am not retired, and I hope not to be for as long as I can continue to serve the citizens of Nueces County.
What relevant experience can you bring to the office?
I have handled everything from class C tickets to death penalty cases. I have supported myself and my family and educated a daughter who now has a PhD in film from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. I am very proud of my career. The best compliment I ever received was from my father—also an attorney who told me that if he had his career to do over again he would do it just the way I did mine.
How have your life experiences prepared you for this position?
My life experiences have made me who I am. My non-verbal autistic son has taught me patience, tolerance, determination, and raw joy. My fierce, fearless daughter has taught me to embrace life and to charge straight ahead. There is a great big world out there just waiting to be seen and experienced. I was not a fan of travel—now I love it. Sports taught me fair play and teamwork. Growing up on a ranch taught me hard work and that the animals have to be cared for and fed before you are. I have a BA in Literature and Philosophy from Trinity University in San Antonio. Both disciplines challenged my mind and broadened my horizons. Books have taken me everywhere and entertained and challenged me from the time my folks read to me as a child, and they continue to do so today. My ten-year marriage to Dr. Pam Smith has repaired my faith and given me more happiness than I thought possible. She is my rock, my best friend, and smoking hot to boot. I am truly blessed!
Which problems would you address on your first day in office?
My first day I appointed Michael Gordon as my first assistant. Mike has been with the office for seventeen years and is a brilliant lawyer. My first full day in office I met with Chief Markel at the Corpus Christi Police department and his command staff in an effort to rebuild the connection between our offices. The next day, we met with Sheriff Hooper and his staff for the same reasons. The goal was to get my arms around the issues in the office and reestablish dialogue with our law enforcement partners. We have instituted an open-door policy with law enforcement agencies.
What do you see as long-term issues that need to be addressed throughout your time in office?
Lawyer pay and retention. We lag way behind even surrounding counties in prosecutor pay. That seriously needs to change. Freedom isn’t free, and neither is public safety. We need to keep the homegrown lawyers we train in Corpus Christi instead of losing them to less beautiful cities that offer more money.
What is local government doing well right now that needs to be expanded further?
Communication between my office, the Sheriff's office, the police department, and other law enforcement agencies, as well as Judge Scott's office, have, I am told, greatly improved. Mike and I are up on the floors checking on our prosecutors, solving problems, helping, and making ourselves available to courthouse staff, as well as our own people. We have met with our federal partners and have reopened lines of communication. Our days are fast-paced but fun. We are building a team that the county can be proud of. It is challenging, rewarding work. We meet with victims, meet with law enforcement, field questions, and promote solutions by applying common sense and elbow grease. I get home tired, hungry, and mostly satisfied. But we have lots more problems to solve for every tomorrow.
