Craig Watkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Craig Watkins
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| District Attorney of Dallas County, Texas | |
| In office 2007–2015 |
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| Preceded by | Bill Hill |
| Succeeded by | Susan Hawk |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Craig Marcus Watkins
November 16, 1967 Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | December 12, 2023 (aged 56) Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Tanya |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Prairie View A&M University (BA) Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (JD) |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Craig Marcus Watkins (born November 16, 1967 – died December 12, 2023) was an important American lawyer. He served as the top prosecutor, called the District Attorney, for Dallas County, Texas, from 2007 to 2015. When he was elected in 2006, he made history by becoming the first African-American district attorney ever chosen in Texas.
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Early Life and Education
Craig Marcus Watkins was born in Dallas, Texas, on November 16, 1967. He graduated from David W. Carter High School in Dallas in 1986.
He then went to Prairie View A&M University. In 1990, he earned a bachelor's degree in political science. Later, in 1994, he received his law degree (a J.D.) from the Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. He was part of the very first graduating class from that law school.
A Career in Law
Watkins began his legal career working for the city of Dallas. He also worked for the Dallas County Public Defender's office. This office helps people who cannot afford a lawyer. After that, he started his own private law practice.
In 2002, Watkins first ran for district attorney but did not win. However, in 2006, he ran again and won the election. This was a big moment because he became the first African-American district attorney in Texas.
Helping Others: The Conviction Integrity Unit
As District Attorney, Craig Watkins did something very special. He created the first-ever Conviction Integrity Unit in the United States. This special unit worked to find and fix cases where people might have been wrongly convicted of a crime.
Thanks to his work, 35 people who were wrongly convicted were set free. His office used modern tools like DNA testing to review old cases. They also looked for evidence that might have been unfairly kept from defense lawyers.
In 2011, Craig Watkins was interviewed on the PBS NewsHour. He talked about how his office helped free a man named Cornelius Dupree. Dupree had been wrongly convicted of armed robbery.
For his important work, Dallas Morning News chose Watkins as their "Texan of the Year" in 2008.
Leaving Office
Craig Watkins served as District Attorney until 2015. After leaving office, he returned to private law practice. He focused on defending people in criminal cases and helping those who had been injured.
Personal Life and Death
Craig Watkins was married to Tanya, and they had three children together. He passed away at his home in Dallas on December 12, 2023, at the age of 56.
See also
- Dallas County District Attorney
- Dallas DNA
