A Justice of the Peace hears traffic and other Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only, civil cases with up to $10,000 in controversy, landlord and tenant disputes, truancy cases, performs magistrate duties, and conducts inquests.The precinct maps are being updated, please check back later.
For over ten years I have been employed at the Hays County District attorney’s Office, as the Felony Lead Supervisor. Prior to coming to Hays County, I was a student at Texas State University (Go Bobcats) where I obtained my Bachelor’s in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. After undergrad I was accepted into the Graduate Program for Legal Studies where I received my Paralegal Certificate as well as my Mediation Certificate. I was also a certified advocate for the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center. I feel all of my education and experience are a culmination of assets that make me well suited and prepared to thrive in this position.
My primary goal for the office would be maintaining efficiency. Thus far the precinct has been on top of its case load and the needs of the community. However, the population explosion in our area could change that very quickly if we are not proactive. I believe establishing this new Justice of the Peace 2-2 position was an exceptionally wise and perceptive step. I want to be able to streamline things such as jury summons, case filings, dockets, and communication. Finally, I want to take time to listen to the community, employees, and law enforcement to see what needs are being met, where do we fall short, and what we can do to improve.
I think with the creation of this new position, organizing and coordinating the proper division of responsibilities with the other precinct Justice of the Peace, 2-1 Beth Smith, is the first necessary step. I also believe proper utilization of technology could potentially alleviate some inefficiencies that could exist. During the pandemic, the court system had to get very creative about how to continue to serve the community with never-before-seen hurdles. I think that unfortunate time in our lives gave way to some very innovative ideas and that, with some modifications, could benefit us today.
Ensuring access to the court is critical. Exploring some virtual court services could benefit the community. Many people have full time jobs, children they are raising, or disabilities that inhibit them from being able to show up to the court between normal business hours. I believe, if it is possible to utilize virtual court services, we should look into that. I think having hours of operation outside of 8-5, even once a week, would open up our accessibility. If these ideas are insufficient or unimplementable, I will keep trying to figure out what will work so that access to our office is sufficient for the community.
The majority of the Justice of the Peace duties in Pct. 2 are conducting inquests (determining the manner and cause of an individual’s death). As a former Law Enforcement Officer, I am the only candidate with previous experience investigating deaths. I have 10+ years of Law Enforcement experience, I hold a Master Peace Officer license and I was an Emergency Medical Technician for 8 years.
JPs also preside over small claims and evictions and I have 12 years of experience with the State of Texas reviewing contracts. I managed State and Federal grants, reviewed financial expenditures and determined compliance with regulations.
JPs also preside over cases where juveniles are charged with class C Misdemeanor (drug related) and Truancy violations. My top 3 priorities are reducing student drug usage in schools; deaths related to drug overdose; and addressing juvenile truancy.
As a former School Resource Officer, I will work with the school district and the SROs to reduce the amount of illegal vaping in the schools and to educate students on the dangers of drug use, to prevent drug overdose deaths.
Finally, I believe students need an education. I have begun working with attendance recovery staff to determine and mitigate obstacles causing students to be truant.
Currently, individuals needing to pay a Class C fine are required to go to the JP court identified on the citation or they can pay the fine online. As an example, if an individual residing in JP Precinct 5 (Buda) received a traffic citation in Dripping Springs the individual would have to pay online or go to the JP Precinct 4 office in Dripping Springs. In today’s technological age, individuals should be able to pay any Hays County fine online or at any of the five (5) JP offices. I plan to meet with Hays County officials to explore the ability of a Hays County Justice Court accepting payments on behalf of another Hays County Justice Court.
I would make access to the JP court more convenient by having an up-to-date webpage with access to all necessary court documents. The Court’s webpage will have the necessary documents containing legal information for individuals needing to file in a JP court or to appeal a decision. Additionally, I understand there are certain circumstances where court attendance must be done via video conferencing. I will work to define the situations where it is allowable and I will work on making those respective accommodations.
