Occupation
Attorney
Education
Juris Doctor
Campaign Phone
682-408-1795
Note:
Facebook: Oni Groves for Judge
I have served Dallas County as a DISD special education teacher, prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, civil litigator, and advocate for families for 11 +yrs.
In every role, I have seen how the seeds of struggle are often planted long before someone ever steps into a courtroom.
Untreated mental illness, substance-abuse challenges, generational trauma, and a lack of early intervention have grown into a crisis that touches every neighborhood in our county.
I’m ready to serve.
I’m ready to lead.
And together, we will build a court where justice is truly rooted in equity, compassion, & community.
Judicial impartiality is a responsibility I take seriously. This specialty court serves a vulnerable population of those accused of crime related to their mental health diagnosis. My vision will strengthen the mental heath services that currently exist and expand services. I plan to create a more comprehensive mental health program to educate the community and deepen community partnerships and services. My rulings will be guided exclusively by the law, facts presented and ethical duties imposed by Texas Code of Judicial Conduct. My commitment to MH diversion does not alter ethical standards.
It is important to have a judge who has seen the process from every angle. The defense and the prosecution to make sure that everyone is heard.
As a judge, I will be accessible, consistent, and engaged, maintaining regular court hours to ensure continuity and collaboration. My experience as a criminal defense attorney has shown me how systemic delays—particularly in intake, staffing coverage, and service coordination—can result in individuals remaining incarcerated longer than necessary and missing opportunities for treatment. When inpatient placements or services are unavailable, individuals are often held in jail until cases are dismissed, perpetuating a revolving-door cycle that benefits neither the individual nor the community.
My judicial philosophy is rooted in community, equity, and compassion. Although this court is not designated as a statutory mental health court, it functions as one, serving individuals whose involvement in the justice system is directly tied to untreated or under-treated mental illness. As such, the court’s smaller docket presents an opportunity to focus on meaningful outcomes rather than volume alone.
Occupation
Attorney
Education
Juris Doctorate, SMU Dedman School of Law
This court has jurisdiction over appeals from justice, municipal, & municipal courts of record in Dallas County. In addition, this court oversees mental health diversion programs. I have served as a prosecutor for 10 years at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. I’ve been in the Mental Health Division for 2 years handling pre-trial diversion, competency, and insanity cases. I've also practiced as a criminal defense attorney for over two years, representing clients in class C offenses, county & district cases, as well as federal cases across the North Texas region.
My personal experiences and over 12 years of criminal law experience have instilled in me a strong commitment to integrity, independence, & respect for the judicial process. As a former Dreamer and the first attorney in my family, I understand what it means to fight for fairness, to be seen, & to be treated with dignity. Those experiences reinforce my dedication to ensuring that all parties—regardless of background, status, or influence—receive a fair and unbiased hearing. As a Judge, I believe everyone who walks into a courtroom deserves fairness, dignity, & equal treatment under the law.
Improving access to justice begins with intentional leadership and ensuring courtroom staff and mental health programs are diverse, trained, and inclusive. I would continue to support and advocate for funding for mental health programs and diversion initiatives that provide essential resources to low-income defendants at no cost. In addition, I would review court forms & program materials to ensure they are clear, inclusive, & respectful (for preferred names / pronouns). I also believe expanding bilingual staffing & language access services is essential in a diverse county like Dallas.
The courts are facing attacks that undermine the judicial system by attacking individual judges & defying court orders. This undermines not only the rule of law, but democracy itself. I believe it is essential to restore confidence in our courts by upholding judicial independence, adhering to constitutional principles, & ensuring that the judiciary remains a place of integrity and impartiality. Another challenge is the reduction in federal funding for mental health programs. As Judge, I would ensure that we continue to find funding through partner organizations and city & county resources.
My philosophy is rooted in fairness, equal protection, & respect for the dignity of every individual. As a former Dreamer, I know the fear & uncertainty that accompanies that label. However, I understood the legal system played a vital role in safeguarding my rights: I had the right to attend a public school & the Texas Dream Act allowed me to pay in-state tuition at UT-Arlington. I understand what it means to be seen, & to be treated fairly. That perspective shapes my approach on the bench: regardless of background—every person will be heard, treated with respect, & evaluated impartially.
