The district courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction of Texas. District courts have original jurisdiction in all felony criminal cases, divorce cases, cases involving title to land, election contest cases, civil matters in which the amount in controversy (the amount of money or damages involved) is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not placed exclusively in another trial court. While most district courts try both criminal and civil cases, in the more densely populated counties the courts may specialize in civil, criminal, juvenile, or family law matters.
Campaign Phone
8175713000
Occupation
Attorney
I have been a licensed attorney since 2003. I practice exclusively family law and child protection (CPS) law. I have handled more than 1000 family law cases in my career. I am the only candidate that is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I am also the only candidate qualified to receive court appointments for CPS cases, CPS appeals, attorney ad-litem and amicus attorney appointments and the only candidate who has actually handled these cases.
Family law is one of the few areas of practice that affects all socioeconomic classes of people. Lack of access to legal professionals is one of the biggest hurdles for many lower income families. Ensuring resources are known to all parties along with listing the rules and expectations of the court helps unrepresented litigants have a blueprint by which to use and engage the court in their case.
The majority of the funds raised by my campaign have been from family and friends rather than litigants or attorneys. These supporters believe in my qualifications, temperament, impartiality and vision for the 324th court.
Regardless and most importantly, all contributions in any judicial race need to be disclosed to ensure compliance with all ethical obligations including recusal, if there is a question of impartiality.
The Judge of any court is the ultimate person responsible for their docket and budget. First, I believe that a judge needs to be at work and present every day. Second, all litigants and attorneys need to be provided a clear outline of the deadlines and expectations of the Court to efficiently move cases from inception to finalization. This means that dates trials are set, are dates trials are heard and finalized.
I believe that case management can be improved through an established uncontested docket for agreed matters, established contested docket for matters requiring less than 30 minutes for hearings and the use of a back-up setting docket to help efficiently use the Court time when cases settle closer to their trial date.
Every decision made in the family courts has an impact on the lives and families of Tarrant County. The best interest of the child is always the primary focus. Ensuring that each litigant has access to the courts and an opportunity to be heard and express their concerns is vital to protecting each child. Further, there needs to be a focus on parental rights, free from governmental overreach such as CPS. This focus has made good strides but more is required through legislation.
Campaign Phone
8178819588
Occupation
Attorney
Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech School of Law - 2011
Kelly Hart and Hallman 2011-2013 - Associate Attorney
Martinez Hsu, P.C. 2013- Present - Founding Shareholder and Managing Shareholder (2016-2021)
All docket cases should be reviewed and set for trial within 60 days of filing or at time of temporary orders. All litigants should have notice of potential deadlines and potential pitfalls if deadlines or procedures are not follow. We should have similar admonishments about legal counsel and expectations as we do in other courts. Courthouses can also supply necessary pamphlets and documents for certain filings and direction to resources for litigants.
The majority of funding supplied to my campaign have been from private donors who are not attorneys. No weight is given to any donation supplied by a member of the bar, litigant/party, and in the event of a conflict or appearance of impropriety, a Judge is required to recuse themselves.
The Court intends to set early scheduling orders rather than waiting for dismissal for want of prosecution times. Scheduling orders will be set at the onset of any initial hearings. The court will schedule contested cases with priority, while cases with agreed orders may be set for a later date provided the parties mutually agree. Rulings shall be summarized in a written order to avoid issues related to non-conformance. Summaries of relief will be requested prior to hearings.
Earlier trial settings and docket control orders/scheduling orders should be done in person and at first hearing to ensure all parties understand the deadlines applied by the court. Court's should strive to minimize time to final trial to under 9 months from filing, provided that there are no additional procedural requirements. Additionally, reduction in appointments of third-parties (e.g. amicus attorneys) should be minimized unless required or agreed.
Judges should refrain from making unnecessary commentary at any level. Beyond maintaining order and decorum, Court's should refrain from making derogatory or personal comments to litigants and should attempt to address any issues of order or decorum through attorneys when present. Family law cases are already emotionally charged enough without commentary from the bench.
