Dallas County invites you to a historic and monumental dedication that will be held on November 14, 2025, in the Central Jury room of the Frank Crowley Courthouse located at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75207. The unveiling of a commemorative bust honoring the late and former Dallas District Attorney, Craig Watkins, will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. CST.
Attorney Craig Watkins was born on November 16, 1967, in Dallas, Texas, to Richard Watkins and Paula Watkins. Watkins graduated from David W. Carter High School in Dallas, Texas, in 1986. He earned his B.A. degree in political science from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, in 1990 and received his J.D. degree from the Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1994.
Watkins became the first African American District Attorney elected in Dallas County and the State of Texas in 2006. He served in this office from 2007 until 2015, during which time he secured a 99.4% conviction rate with a focus on prosecuting cases of child sexual abuse. Watkins also worked to resolve cases of wrongful conviction through the use of DNA testing and the review of evidence that had been illegally withheld from defense attorneys.
Among his landmarks and accomplishments was the creation of the Conviction Integrity Unit, which won national and international acclaim. The CIU reviews cases involving allegations of actual innocence as well as wrongful convictions. The CIU also serves as the District Attorney’s Office’s liaison with the Texas Forensic Science Commission. Watkins made a mark that has led to the release of innocent men and women.
Join us as one of our special guests as we honor Craig and all of his accomplishments as well as his 58th birthday. Please join the Dallas County Commissioner Court and the Honorable John Creuzot, Dallas County District Attorney on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Central Jury Room of the Frank Crowley Courthouse located at 133 N. Riverfront, Dallas, Texas 75207.
Sincerely,
John Wiley Price
Dallas County Commissioner
District No. 3
