VOTE411 Voter Guide

After graduating from Texas A&M University with a Wildlife Biology degree, I went to work for an environmental consulting firm where I spent 12 years writing environmental assessments for both private and public entities. For the past 8 years, though, I have been working in the insurance industry and am licensed for both auto and property. I went to work at my husband’s insurance agency in 2018 and took over his service department. This means I spend every day discussing both personal liability as well as property damage liability with customers. I am usually their first call when something happens and they have a question about the liability process. Along with the knowledge of claims, I also have had to go through the eviction process. So, I have seen and experienced the role of the Justice of the Peace in eviction hearings.

The Justice of the Peace serves the community as the “People’s Court”. It is the person who hears civil cases (small claims court), evictions, and handles traffic citations. This service for the community allows people to be able to have civil cases handled without the added expense of a lawyer or the intimidation of a larger court system. The Justice of the Peace is also responsible for handling death inquests. I think this part – the handling of death with respect, compassion, and care – may be one of the most important roles of the Justice of the Peace.

I have 24 years’ experience serving in the judicial system: 16 years as an adult probation officer and 8 years as a legal assistant for the Llano County Attorney’s Office, having a good working knowledge of the law. Although no degree is required, I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, minor in Business Administration. I have over two decades of experience in a courtroom, familiarity with court management systems, electronic recordkeeping, and thorough understanding of legal documentation and terminology. Residing in Precinct 3 since 2019, I am a qualified citizen who commits to extensive training to manage civil and criminal cases in my precinct.

A Justice of the Peace for Llano County Precinct 3 serves as a judge for minor legal matters, handling civil, criminal, magistrate and other judicial functions. Criminal matters include Class C misdemeanor cases such as traffic tickets (speeding, expired tags, driving without insurance, etc.) and non-traffic cases (public intoxication, disorderly conduct, simple assault, minor theft, criminal trespass, etc.). Civil matters include small claims up to $20,000, landlord/tenant evictions, disputes and repair cases. Magistrate matters include issuing arrest/search warrants, conducting magistrate hearings and performing inquests. In Precinct 3, the Justice of the Peace also hears truancy cases, serves as a coroner since Llano County does not have a medical examiner office, and can perform marriages.