About Matthew Dexter, candidate for Judge

Matthew was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He attended St. Thomas High School and obtained a degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston Sate University, graduating cum laude. He later attended Law School at South Texas College of Law and obtained his law degree while still serving with the Houston Police Department. 

Following his 20+ years with HPD, he served our community  as a prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney's office, where he found a passion for Juvenile Law. Now, he has his own private practice representing and assisting youth in the custody of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as well as the juvenile  justice system.

His experience has crafted his belief that our criminal justice system is broken and our community deserves better.  While reform was thought to have been a welcomed fresh perspective on how we treat the most vulnerable of our community in a fair and impartial manner, It lacks common sense.  If our current system continues down this path, crime will continue to rise, threatening our community and our families and what we all love about Harris County.  

Matthew is a member of the following organizations:

• Houston Police Retired Officers Association
• Former Harris County Prosecutor 
• T.C.D.L.A.
• State Bar of Texas
• State Bar College
• Board Member / Life Member  - Sam Houston State University Alumni Association
• Board Member - Criss Cole Foundation
• Lifetime Member - St. Thomas High School Alumni Association

Matthew shares his dedication to justice for Harris County youth with his wife, Alexis Tate, herself a Native Houstonian and  Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has served the Harris County Children's Assessment Center for over 20 years.

Matthew and Alexis met as a result of their dedication to being part of something larger than themselves and have been together for over 20 years. They both place a high value on doing the right thing, service to others and protecting the most vulnerable of our society. 

Matthew and Alexis have dedicated their careers to their passion for and use their experience to focus on ensuring the rights of ALL citizens are protected. 

They are both active in the community. 

Matthew has over 30 years experience in the law enforcement and legal professions.  He is  a well-respected and decorated retired criminal investigator with the Houston Police Department and former prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney's Office. 

During his time with the Houston Police Department, Matthew investigated the worst of the worst including child sexual abuse and and the exploitation of women and children.

Matthew was also a member of the HPD Vice Team, investigating child sex trafficking and regulating the myriad of sexually oriented businesses in the City of Houston.

Matthew passed the Texas State Bar Exam and was licensed in November, 2011. Once licensed, he transferred to the department's Criminal Intelligence Unit where he worked with the The Department of Homeland Security and their efforts to identify counter terrorism and intelligence  gathering at the Houston Regional Intelligence Service Center.