Judge, County Criminal Courts at Law, No. 13
Exclusive original jurisdiction over misdemeanors where the fine allowed exceeds $500 or confinement in the county jail does not exceed one year. Decisions from the municipal and justice of the peace courts may be appealed to county criminal courts at law. 4-year term.
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Raul Rodriguez
(Dem)
Qualifications:
What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Issues:
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district
Harris County
Education
South Texas College of Law Houston, Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) December 1991 | University of Houston, Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) December 1982
Occupation
Judge, Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 13
I bring 33 years of legal experience and 20 years of judicial service to this bench. As Judge of this court since 2019, I presided over thousands of cases with fairness and efficiency, consistently earning strong ratings in Houston Bar Association judicial evaluations. I served as Associate Judge with the City of Houston Municipal Courts for 13 years (2005-2018). In private practice (1992-2018), I handled over 11,000 criminal cases in Harris County, trying 35 criminal jury trials and 200+ civil/family law cases spanning felonies and misdemeanors at both District and County Criminal Court levels, including court appointments and retained clients. I am bilingual (English/Spanish), enabling me to better serve Harris County's diverse community.
1. Efficiency and Equal Justice: Courtroom delays impose substantial costs on those accused of crimes, victims, and families through missed work, childcare expenses, and repeated appearances. Because every person deserves equal treatment under the 14th Amendment, I ensure judicial decisions are based solely on law and facts, free from bias. I maintain an organized docket to resolve cases promptly while ensuring fairness. 2. Rehabilitative Programs: Many individuals remain unaware of Harris County's resources for substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence. To reduce recidivism, I actively identify eligible individuals and connect them with these resources, providing education, treatment, and skills that strengthen our community.
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