After decades of experience in courtrooms all over Texas and having worked with some of the most talented judges and attorneys in the state, I believe I have accumulated a degree of knowledge about our justice system. I would like to put that experience and knowledge to work for my community.
You can learn more about me at:
www.hilliard-law.com/attorneys/gonzalo-joseph-barrientos/
I have 38 years of criminal and civil litigation experience, including as a prosecutor in Austin followed by decades of private practice in Nueces County representing injured people, their families and survivors in product liability and negligence cases in courts all over Texas. In the past I served as President of the Corpus Christi Bar Association, on the board of Coastal Bend Legal Services (now TRLA), and on the committee that hears grievances against attorneys. I currently serve as vice-chair of the Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF), which funds providers of legal services to the poor.
Qualifying life experiences include working my way through college and law school as well as 39 years of marriage and raising three children.
I am often asked why Texas’ judges are chosen in partisan elections.
I respond that the Texas constitution and legislature set the laws governing the selection of judges. In 2019 The Texas Commission on Judicial Selection issued a report that included a recommendation that the current system of partisan judicial elections be abandoned, but there was no consensus as to what alternative form of judicial selection should be adopted (non-partisan election, judicial selection commission or appointment).
I suggest that voters look at the individual qualifications, experience and demeanor of each candidate and vote based on their assessment of those factors as opposed to relying solely on party affiliation.
1. Fair, efficient and independent administration of justice.
-Making decisions based on the applicable law and case specific facts, regardless of the identity of the parties.
-Staffing the courts with qualified personnel eager to serve the public and sensitive to the needs of litigants, attorneys and witnesses.
2. Preserving the jury trial system, which is foundational to our democracy.
-Ensuring that all Nueces County residents eligible to serve on juries are included in the pool of persons called to jury duty so that all parties have their cases heard by a jury of their peers.
3. Observation of due process for all parties.
-Take the time to conduct necessary Court proceedings to determine matters such as eligibility for bail.
Campaign Phone
361-510-5365
My motivation to run for Judge of County Court at Law #1 in 2022 was to provide a valued public service to our community. I have over 25 years of professional and judicial experience that has given me knowledge and preparation to serve Nueces County. My vast legal experience, along with my willingness to work hard were motivations to run for Judge of County Court at Law #1. My motivation for re-election is the same, now strengthened after serving as Judge of County Court at Law #1 and experiencing the difference that I can make on the bench. It is not difficult to be motivated when I have had the honor and privilege to serve the public and mentor young attorneys who appear in my court in civil, criminal, probate, and other matters.
My strongest competency is my experience. Prior to taking office, I had over twenty years of experience in law, with courtroom experience in criminal prosecution, civil litigation, real estate and business transactions, criminal defense, mental health proceedings and probate matters. My knowledge and experience are essential to being the Judge of County Court at Law #1. Through 10 years of experience as a Magistrate Judge for the City of Corpus Christi I developed a judicial demeanor that has served me well as Judge of County Court at Law #1. With this experience, I am confident in my role as Judge and proud to know that I make people feel comfortable and at ease in the courtroom.
Access to the courts and the prompt attention and resolution of matters is a regular concern of residents. I agree with this concern, and it is true that sometimes how these matters affect individuals who are not familiar with the courts and courtroom procedures can be very taxing on them. Therefore, I get these cases into the courtroom and heard as quickly as possible, while providing the litigants adequate time to prepare for their cases. I have and will continue to allow the parties to have open access to my court for hearings and trials and do not limit their time, with the understanding that these are the people’s cases and they should be allowed the time and opportunity to have their cases heard in the manner they choose.
My top three priorities are: 1) Continuous movement of the Court’s criminal docket to assure older cases are addressed and resolved - I will continue to place older matters on the docket at intervals to ensure that the cases are reached and provide ample time and opportunity for the attorneys to assert an adequate defense and have ample time to assert their positions; 2) Provide a friendly and open Court to all - I pride myself on having a professional yet friendly and open-door policy.; and 3) Administering justice in a competent and efficient manner while doing so with the appropriate demeanor and courtesy- I will continue to diligently prepare, provide knowledge, and make well-reasoned rulings consistent with the facts and law.
