I have been a licensed Texas Attorney for 30 years. I have now been the Justice of the Peace for 3.5 years. That combination of background experience has allowed me to grow as a professional. I believe I have developed the ability to apply the law to the facts of each case appearing before me. In the past 3.5 years, I have communicated with counsel, jurors, witnesses and parties appearing in Court calmly and courteously. Patience, compassion, humility and common sense guide me daily.

All judges that serve the public must have experiences in their daily and professional lives that help them understand the circumstances of the parties that appear in Court. The Justice of the Peace Court is the Court closest to the community. Citizens bring all kinds of disputes and disagreements that are of urgency to them. As a judge hearing these matters and resolving them in a productive way allows all parties to move on with their lives in a productive way that benefits the community.

Mediation is mandated for all small claims cases that appear before the Court. Most cases resolve at this level. As far as Landlord-Tenant disputes, the Court has always allowed and encouraged legal organizations to provide legal services to tenants appearing in Court. Judge Garcia has provided office space, computer and equipment to any legal service appearing in Court. The Neighborhood Defender Service of Texas is present in Court on every eviction docket and works very well with the Court.

My wife Mabel and I have lived in Pct. 5 for over 20 years. I started my legal career after law school as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County. For over 20 years thereafter, I was the lead attorney handling civil, criminal and family law cases. Then I was elected Judge of the 308th District Court. I currently sit by judicial assignment from the Texas Supreme Court to hear contested cases throughout Texas. In addition, I mediate and arbitrate cases for the Texas Insurance commission.

Justice of the Peace courts are located in the community. They have jurisdiction over truancy cases, traffic cases, debt claims, criminal offenses, and civil cases where the amount in dispute is less than $20,000.00. They also preside over landlord-tenant disputes, including squatter and eviction matters. In addition, they perform marriage ceremonies. The Justice of the Peace courts are the courts that citizens are most likely to encounter.

Landlord-Tenant disputes will be placed on a fast-track docket allowing tenants a quick hearing to get their complaints resolved, and the landlord to have an accelerated hearing to deal with squatters and tenants who may be destroying the landlord’s property. Small Claims allows an informal setting for self-represented parties. The court will provide pre-trial mediation for both Landlord-Tenant disputes and Small Claim cases. This will allow for resolutions that fit the needs of both parties.