Published: November 16, 2009 09:51 am      

Chickasha alum enters DA race

DUNCAN – Jason Hicks, a law enforcement veteran and experienced businessman, will seek the District 6 office of district attorney.

District 6 includes Stephens, Grady, Caddo and Jefferson counties. Hicks, a graduate of Chickasha High School, will file as a Republican in June 2010.

Hicks, a former Stephens County assistant district attorney, has served nearly a decade as the general manager of two local businesses. He said he has the experience necessary to keep the community safe and to effectively manage the resources of the citizens in District 6.

“I have managed a local business and have successfully prosecuted all types of criminal cases, including everything from rape to drug crimes, embezzlement and juvenile crimes,” Hicks said. “My courtroom experience runs the gamut, and as a family law attorney now, I see firsthand how crime impacts our families.”

As an assistant district attorney, Hicks’ caseload consisted of filing and prosecuting one-third of all Stephens County felonies, one-third of all misdemeanors, and the entire juvenile docket, which included both deprived and delinquent children.

“Although the District Attorney’s Office is an independent law enforcement agency, I realize that to maximize the prosecutorial effectiveness of the District Attorney’s Office, it takes a coordinated effort on part of all law enforcement agencies in the district," he said. "Based upon my management style and experience, I will bring an understanding to the District Attorney's Office that I am but one part of the law enforcement team and will implement coordinated efforts between all law enforcement agencies in District 6 and Southwest Oklahoma.

“This team effort will allow for a united front against criminals that do not hesitate to cross jurisdictional boundaries in order to harm our families and our communities. By coordinating efforts, law enforcement will be able to offer an improved environment in which criminals will know they will be arrested and prosecuted.

“Upon being sworn in as district attorney, I will sponsor a summit for all law enforcement agencies to come together and begin formulating a team strategy to better protect and serve all citizens of the Sixth District.”

The candidate is active in the community and in his church, where he serves as a deacon and assists in children's ministries. He is a member of the Chisholm Trail Hospice board of directors and the city of Duncan Board of Adjustment. He is immediate past president of the Youth Services of Stephens County Board of Directors and former president of the Stephens County Bar Association. Hicks received the Duncan Jaycees Distinguished Service Award for 2007.

He said a successful District Attorney’s Office is crucial to more than just a community’s safety.

“I care about the safety of this area because I grew up here. My father was a small business owner here, and I’m raising my family here. Having safer communities means our area will also be more prosperous, our schools will be stronger and our families will enjoy a better quality of life.”

Hicks said law enforcement should place a special emphasis on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike and Interstate 40, which often are conduits for drug trafficking and other crimes.

“We must focus our resources where they will be most effective,” he said. “These high-traffic areas must be tightly patrolled and we must strictly enforce our drug laws.”

Since 2004, Hicks has served as a junior partner at Ellis, Buckholts and Hicks, where he specializes in all aspects of family law.

He is a graduate of Chickasha High School, Cameron University and the University of Oklahoma School of Law. Hicks and his wife of 16 years, Marla, have three young children. They live in Duncan.