Texas Young Lawyers Association

Christina Melton Crain Takes over as the Texas “Czar” of Criminal Justice

April 01,2003

On February 17, 2003, Governor Rick Perry named Christina Melton Crain, Immediate Past President of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, as chair of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (the Board). Crain’s talent for getting things done should serve her well while managing one of the largest state agencies, hardened criminals, and budget cuts.

The Board, which has nine members, is responsible for oversight of the Texas prison system. Board members are appointed by the governor to oversee the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), which provides confinement, supervision, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the state’s convicted felons. The Board hires the TDCJ executive director, sets rules and policies to guide the agency, and serves as the Board of Trustees for the Windham School System within TDCJ. The Office of Inspector General, with oversight of the Internal Audit and Investigations Division, and the Office of State Counsel for Offenders are divisions of TDCJ that report directly to the Board.

Crain, the first woman ever appointed to chair the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, was originally appointed to serve a six-year term on the Board in 2001. She previously chaired the Health Care Committee, which oversees the medical services provided to offenders. Crain also serves as a member of the Programs and Services Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the agency's community services activities and educational programs. "When I take on a job, it's very important to me to do the job, do it right, and see it through," said Crain. Crain acts as the Board liaison to the Windham School District and is also a member of the Community Justice Assistance, Parole and State Jail Divisions Committee, the Legal Committee, and the Victim Services Committee.

In her new position, Crain spends several days a week in Austin working with the Legislature and the Governor's office on the TDCJ budget and other legislative issues. Despite taking over the Board during one of the most trying economic times in our State’s history, Crain maintains a positive attitude. "I like challenges, and I like to dive into things. Maybe this is an opportunity to make some end-runs and really do some good work," said Crain.

In addition to her work for the State of Texas, Crain currently serves on the boards of the Dallas Bar Association, the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, and the Baylor Health Care System Foundation. She is an alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin and Oklahoma City University School of Law. In her law practice, she represents children in civil, guardianship and family matters. Crain also handles personal injury, general corporate, estate planning and probate work and serves as a mediator.