I am a practicing attorney with 18 years of experience handling criminal, family, and immigration matters. I have served as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, giving me a balanced and practical approach. My focus is on running a courtroom that is respectful, efficient, and focused on the law above all. A great judge commands the courtroom in a way that empowers parties to stay focused on the law and their next steps in their cases.
I support the creation of a special-needs court with fully inclusive judicial procedures, so parties with disabilities can meaningfully participate in court. When designed well, specialty court interventions can repair the harm and reduce the likelihood of future harm, providing more meaningful accountability than probation or incarceration alone. It is important that these courts share data and results openly so outcomes can be evaluated and the public can have confidence in the process.
The costs attached to misdemeanor cases can be significant and unexpected, with ripple effects that extend beyond what the law expressly provides for. Courts should remain mindful of those impacts. A judge should ensure that the goals of the justice system and the requirements of the law are not undermined by financial barriers. Where authorized, adjusting dates, times, or orders can improve compliance and allow parties to meet their burdens under the law.
I fully support equal access to civil marriage. If the law authorizes the marriage, I will perform the ceremony—without hesitation or distinction—and ensure every couple is treated with dignity and respect and allowed a bit of joy and celebration as well. Courts must reflect the principle that equal justice under law applies to everyone.
Bexar Gives Back is a constructive option for appropriate nonviolent misdemeanor cases and can be improved or expanded to increase its impact. Programs like this help maintain accountability while allowing people to keep jobs, housing, and family stability and contribute positively to the community. Misdemeanor punishment should remain proportional to the harm caused, with courts balancing accountability, public safety, and fairness within the limits of the law.
I elevated to this bench on Jan. 1, 2019, and have presided over Court 13 since. I came to the bench as a former social worker and 17 year attorney with a Board Certification in Child Welfare Law. I have presided over Court 13 and REFLEJO Court for almost 7 years. Court 13's team has lowered our case load to record low numbers, reducing it by over 70%. I have presided over 150 jury trials. Our team works daily to ensure swift justice, due process for defs & safety for victims of family violence.
All Bexar Co. Treatment Courts are successful and their rates vary depending on the population they serve. I am supportive of all Treatment Courts because if even one life is changed for the better, then that is a success. I can tell you that Court 13's treatment court, REFLEJO Court, has a less than 3% recidivism rate for our graduates. We have graduated 43 as of today and 42 have not reoffended. REFLEJO Court will be matriculating an additional 7 graduates January 2026 for a total of 50 grads.
They do impact each defendant differently and unequally. The disparity in impact is more profound the lower the income the family brings in. For a DEF or household that earns $200,000/yr, a $10,000 atty retainer impacts the family much less than for a family that only earns $75,000/yr. because of the percentage the retainer pulls from the household income.
I do. I have. I will.
I always have. I was a Certified Marriage Officiant prior to becoming a judge via American Marriage Ministries (since June 27, 2015), and I am LGBTQIA.
Everyone is entitled to inalienable rights which include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that includes marrying who they choose to marry.
I think it is an effective program. Court 13 defendants are deemed violent offenders and do not qualify for the program, but we support it, nonetheless.
