Henry Allred Press Release for District Judge Campaign

“I am running for District Judge. It is important for a judge to understand and relate to people from all walks of life and who will treat all people who come before him with dignity and respect. I am an experienced attorney. I have handled hundreds of legal matters for people in Walker County. The District Court is the court where the Judge truly interacts with and serves the people of Walker County. The majority of people in District Court will not have a lawyer to speak for them. This is why I believe it is important to understand the needs and situations of the people who come before me. The District Court judge is often the only person in the legal system that people will interact with. This judge is usually the only one that can help the people of Walker County with their problems.”

“A substantial portion of the District Court judge’s duties involve juvenile cases, child support cases, and criminal cases involving young people and adults. Right now, our Circuit judges are having to handle all of the juvenile issues. It is time for the Juvenile Court to return to the District Court level where the judge can spend more time listening to, evaluating, and solving the problems and the needs of our troubled youth. I have always felt a special calling towards the young people of Walker County. I spent years working with the youth in my church. I have been Assistant Youth Director and I teach the Senior High Sunday School Class. I volunteer for Upwards Basketball and Vacation Bible School. I am drawn to help the young people in our community. It may sound like a cliche, but our future lies in developing, growing, nurturing, and protecting the young people in our community. A substantial portion of my law practice involves serving as a court-appointed guardian to protect the rights of children. Hopefully, I have enriched the lives of the youth I have taught, but additionally, I have received a great blessing from being around the wonderful children and youth of our community.” “Illegal drug use is a huge problem in our county. Drug dealers are preying on our citizens and our children for their own profit. Drug abuse can touch any family in Walker County. I have seen the devastating effects addiction can have on people. I understand the need to cooperate with law enforcement officials to confront this problem head-on. I will communicate with them and work hard to get the proper treatment for people struggling with addiction. I will also provide swift and necessary punishment for those who fail to respond to treatment and the initial attempts by the court to eliminate their problems. I will identify the drug dealers preying on our young people and I will send them to jail for the longest time possible. I have two brothers that are law enforcement officers. My sister-in-law worked as a prosecutor for the District Attorney. I understand the sacrifices made by our law enforcement people. I know about the late nights and leaving family gatherings to go on patrol. Because of this, I come from a family that respects law enforcement. As Judge, I will assist our law enforcement’s efforts to eliminate the horrible effects of drugs in our community.”

“As District Judge, I will be sensitive to the rights of the victims of crimes who are before me. My family experienced a great tragedy when I was eleven years old. My grandmother was brutally raped and murdered. She was stabbed eighteen times by a man who was on parole from prison despite being previously convicted of eighteen crimes. Although he is currently in prison, I have to appear periodically with my family before the parole board to convince them that he remains a danger to society. I know what it is like to be a victim of a crime. I will treat those who come before me in similar situations with dignity and respect.” “I will work hard. My door will always be open to the citizens of Walker County. The job I am applying for is not one that can be done in three or four hours a day. This is a commitment to the people of Walker County to make this county a better place. This kind of commitment cannot be simply a job. I will work the number of hours needed to make sure every case before me is handled efficiently, quickly, and with the utmost competence. I will be accessible and accountable to the people who elect me to this office.”

I am married to Linley Yerby Allred. We have one daughter, two-year-old Libby Allred. Linley is employed at First National Bank in Jasper. I attended South Lamar High School, Bevill State Community College, and the University of Alabama. I graduated with honors from the University of Alabama with a degree in Criminal Justice. I received my law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law where I served as the Student Bar Association President.

Daily Mountain Eagle Article About Candidacy