Angela Overman is seeking her second term as the 286th District Attorney that represents Hockley and Cochran County. Initially raised in Houston until her family relocated to Burkburnett when she was 14years-old due to her father’s illness. Unfortunately, her father would pass away a year later, and buried him just days before her 16th birthday.
“These experiences shaped my upbringing, as my family faced financial struggles and significant adversity, ultimately losing nearly everything,” said Overman. “However, I share these personal details not only to provide insight into my past but also to inspire younger citizens to persevere and pursue their dreams despite facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.”
As she pursued her education, Overman was determined to pave her own way, paying her own tuition as she earned a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University. Additionally, she continued to pursue higher education, obtaining both a Master’s degree and a Law degree.
“Concurrently, I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, where I currently hold the rank of Captain,” added Overman. “During my military service, I had the opportunity to prosecute court martial proceedings under supervision, further honing my legal skills.”
Throughout her career, she also took on teaching roles, serving as an instructor at Texas Tech University, where she taught courses on data analysis. She also taught government courses at South Plains College and its satellite campuses.
“These experiences not only enriched my own education, but also allowed me to share my knowledge and passion for learning with others,” explained Overman.
While awaiting my bar results, she taught English and Theater Arts to seventh and eighth graders. In 1996, she became licensed to practice law, and soon after began representing pro bono cases for Women’s Protective Services. Upon moving to Levelland in 1999, Overman established her own law office, where she continued to advocate for individuals in civil and criminal cases.
Overman added that her commitment to public service expanded when she was appointed as County Attorney by the Cochran County Commissioners in July 2018. That experience ultimately led to her appointment as District Attorney by the governor in November 2019, followed by her successful election to the position in March 2020.
“Throughout my journey, family has always been at the forefront of my priorities. I’ve had the privilege of raising two wonderful daughters, Alexandria and Maci,” said Overman. “Recently, our family has grown with the addition of my son-inlaw, Cody Scarlett. We’re all eagerly anticipating the arrival of my first grandchild in March 2023, and I couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter in our lives.”
Currently serving her first term, Overman decided to seek reelection because she feels that her track record speaks volumes about her commitment to justice and ensuring the safety of the community.
“Through numerous successful prosecutions, including securing life sentences and lengthy prison terms for serious offenders, I’ve demonstrated my dedication to holding criminals accountable for their actions,” said Overman.
“Furthermore, I’ve been proactive in addressing repeat offenses by advocating for stricter penalties, opposing parole eligibility for serious offenders, and actively seeking to revoke bonds for those who violate pretrial release conditions.
Despite facing challenges such as a significant backlog of cases and the impact of COVID19 on the court system, Overman explained that her team has persevered with 233 felony cases currently pending.
“Additionally, our efforts have been recognized through securing substantial grants to aid in the prosecution of capital murder cases and to lessen the burden on taxpayers,” said Overman. “Overall, my decision to seek re-election is rooted in my unwavering commitment to serving the interests of justice and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community.”
When considering areas for improvement within the District Attorney’s office, one significant challenge she encountered is the shortage of qualified applicants and the difficulty in recruiting and retaining Assistant District Attorneys.
“This issue is primarily attributed to factors such as location and pay,” explained Overman. “During a significant portion of my first term, I was the sole prosecutor in the office, underscoring the urgency of addressing this matter. Fortunately, I now have two reliable ADA’s who contribute greatly to our community. Additionally, the recent award of $175,000 from the Texas Rural Law Enforcement Grant will enable us to hire an additional prosecutor, which is a step forward in addressing this staffing concern.”
Overman also addressed concerns of backlogs and defendants experiencing lengthy jail stays awaiting trial.
“ I want to emphasize that I’ve been diligently working to prioritize the needs of incarcerated offenders,” stated Overman. “To combat delays, I’ve implemented initiatives such as sending reminder emails titled “Don’t forget about me” to defense attorneys, listing inmates and the days they have served. While this effort has led to progress in some cases, I acknowledge the ongoing challenge posed by defense delay tactics.”
She added that it’s crucial to recognize that until cases are set on the trial docket, defense attorneys may lack motivation to expedite proceedings, viewing delay as a strategic advantage. With 233 cases pending resolution, she fully understand the frustration associated with these delays and remains committed to finding solutions.
“Looking ahead, my vision for the office includes a focus on continuity in crime reduction and prioritizing public safety through vigorous prosecution,” explained Overman. “Additionally, I am keen on implementing innovative strategies to further reduce crime rates and address emerging challenges. This includes expanding justice programs to address mental health issues and promoting rehabilitation initiatives aimed at reducing repeat offenses. By embracing these approaches, I am confident we can enhance the effectiveness of our office and better serve the needs of our community.”
From what she has heard from talking with constituents, Overman stated there seems to be widespread appreciation for her firm stance on crime and commitment to pursuing stringent punishment for serious offenders.
“Many individuals have expressed their support for these efforts, recognizing the importance of maintaining safety and accountability within our community,” said Overman. “However, there has been some curiosity and speculation as to why I have drawn an opponent in this election, considering the positive reception of my approach to law enforcement and criminal justice. This has prompted discussions among constituents and observers who are interested in understanding the dynamics of the upcoming election and the motivations behind my opponent’s candidacy.”
Overman’s overall message is one of unwavering dedication to justice and public safety.
“I am committed to upholding the law, holding offenders accountable for their actions, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community,” said Overman. “Despite challenges such as staffing shortages and delays in the legal process, I am steadfast in my pursuit of fairness, efficiency, and effectiveness within the District Attorney’s office.”
Overman shared her gratefulness for the support she has received from community members, and expressed her sincere appreciation for their trust and confidence in her.
“As your district attorney, I remain steadfastly committed to serving you, the community, with integrity and determination,” stated Overman. “Your wellbeing and safety are paramount, and I will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the principles of justice and fairness for all. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to continuing to serve you in the days ahead.”
Moving forward, Overman asked for the community’s support in the upcoming year, particularly in the two capital murder trials—one scheduled for March and the other for September.
“Your support is invaluable as we navigate these trials and continue our efforts to uphold justice for all members of our community,” said Overman. “Together, we can ensure a safer and more just future for everyone.”