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Republican James Angelino Announces Bid For Collin County D.A.

This morning James Angelino officially announced his intentions to seek the Republican nomination for Collin County District Attorney in next year's primary election. Angelino said his experience as a chief prosecutor, an Army officer in Iraq and as a police officer makes him uniquely qualified to replace outgoing D.A. John Roach.

"I have spent over 20 years of my life working to keep the people of Texas and the United States safe," Angelino said.  "The D.A.'s office is no place for on the job training.  Never before have the challenges to public safety and our quality of life been greater. My experiences as a police officer, a soldier and prosecutor have given me a unique perspective about what it takes to protect the public from crime."

Angelino's public service began when he became a police officer with the Dallas Police Department in 1988. While continuing to work as a police officer, Angelino enrolled in S.M.U. law school, graduating in 1994. During his tenure with the Dallas P.D., he was twice decorated for saving lives.

In 1996 Angelino joined the Denton County District Attorney's office and soon became one of the office's most successful prosecutors. In 11 years as an Assistant D.A., he tried over 190 criminal jury trials to a verdict in all types of cases ranging from possession of drugs to murder.  Angelino also created and was chief of the DWI Prosecution Unit, becoming one of a handful of experts on intoxication for the State. For his efforts he was awarded the "Outstanding Service Award" from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for vigorous DWI enforcement.  Additionally he has provided hundreds of hours of advanced legal training to Texas prosecutors and law enforcement.

In 2001, Angelino heard the call of duty to serve his country and joined the U.S. Army Reserve. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001 he volunteered for active duty and served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Forward Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq from 2003-2004.  For his service, Angelino was awarded the Bronze Star, The Army Commendation Medal, The Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.  He is presently a Captain in the Army Reserve.

"I will put the public interest first," Angelino concluded.  "I will maintain a strong partnership with our law enforcement agencies. I will hire and retain the best prosecutors and run the office in a professional manner. I will never forget that the job of a District Attorney is not to obtain convictions, but to seek justice. The people of Collin County deserve nothing less."

A Plano resident since 1993, Angelino is currently in private practice with offices in Frisco and Denton. He and his wife Misti, have two children, Cole and Gabriella. The Angelino family attends Custer Road United Methodist Church