4 year term. Must be a citizen, 18 years or older and a resident of the district represented. Does not need to be a lawyer. Responsible for civil and criminal misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only: assault, bail jumping, criminal mischief, bad check writing, public intoxication. Can hear civil cases up to $20,000. Issues occupational drivers licenses. May perform marriages, issue commitment papers for the mentally ill and search and arrest warrants.
Occupation
Justice of the Peace Judge
Education
BA. Loyola Marymount University and Juris Doctorate, Southern California School of Law
Campaign Phone
323-420-8707
I am an attorney with 18 years of experience in criminal, family and civil law. Prior to taking the bench, I served as a Dallas County Public Defender in the misdemeanor division. I also ran a solo law practice focusing on family and criminal law for several years where I tried cases to final trial.
As a JP, I have been on the bench for twelve years and have the experience to continue serving the court efficiently and effectively. I also attend judicial education yearly to ensure that I stay up to date on changes in the law.
Accessibility is incredibly important to me. To ensure access, filing forms are posted online and provided in paper form in office. Online e-filing is also available. Litigants also have access to self-represented handbooks to assist them in filing their cases.
In addition, half of the staff at the court is bilingual Spanish speaking to assist those who only speak Spanish. I also speak Spanish fluently and routinely hold court in Spanish when both parties agree to do so.
Litigants are also allowed to participate via Zoom or by telephone if they are unable to attend in person.
Yes. Having all parties be represented by counsel would make the process more equitable. While the court does not have the ability to provide court appointed lawyers, I encourage legal aid organizations to come into the court to assist those needing legal representation. The court also provides a list of social and legal service organizations to assist people in need.
Based on current trends and recent changes in eviction law, I anticipate an uptick in filings countywide. I will address this issue by creating additional docket settings to accommodate additional filings. Once the court is relocated, I plan to begin night court to also be able to process more cases efficiently. Supplemental training for all court clerks to ensure speedy processing will also be implemented to address this issue.
Occupation
Attorney
Education
J.D. Texas A&M University School of Law, 1999
Campaign Phone
214-957-9761
I bring 25 years of experience as an attorney and small business owner, along with extensive work as a mediator and arbitrator resolving disputes fairly and efficiently. My career has required me to listen carefully, apply the law, manage cases, and make decisions that affect real people—skills that are essential for a Justice of the Peace. I am prepared to run a professional, respectful courtroom, apply the law without favoritism, and serve our community with fairness, integrity and candor from day one.
Accessibility starts with treating people with respect and explaining things clearly. The Justice of the Peace court works better when people know what to expect—when forms and information are easy to find, hearings are easy to follow, and the process isn’t confusing. That means running an organized court with clear communication, fair scheduling, and a respectful environment, so everyone feels heard, whether or not they have a lawyer.
Evictions are equitable when the law is applied consistently and both sides understand the process. SB 38 provides clearer procedures and timelines, which helps courts ensure due process and fairness for landlords and tenants alike. My responsibility as Justice of the Peace will be to apply that law correctly and without favoritism.
Beginning this month, one of the most pressing issues for our JP courts will be the application of SB 38 in eviction cases. By ensuring proper notice, due process, and efficient case management, the JP court can handle evictions fairly for both landlords and tenants.
