I bring over 12 years of experience in the legal field as a paralegal, preparing cases, conducting legal research, and participating in court proceedings. This gives me a strong understanding of court procedures, due process, and the responsibility of applying the law fairly. I also have over 12 years of experience as an HR professional, working closely with people during challenging moments. Guided by my faith, this taught me the importance of listening, patience, compassion, and fairness. My faith reminds me that every person has value and deserves dignity and respect. as Justice of the Peace, I am committed to serving Kerr County with integrity, care, and compassion - upholding the rule of law while ensuring everyone who comes before the court feels heard, respected, and treated justly.
A Justice of the Peace (JP) for Kerr County Precinct 4 handles civil, criminal, and administrative matters. JPs preside over Class C misdemeanor cases, including traffic violations, hear civil claims within the statutory limit, and conduct eviction hearings. They also issue warrants, set bonds, and perform magistrate duties when required. Beyond judicial duties, a JP performs marriages, conducts inquests, and handles certain death-related matters. The role requires ensuring proceedings are conducted fairly, impartially, and efficiently, while helping people understand their rights and the court process.
I am qualified to serve as Justice of the Peace in Kerr County through extensive training and more than 30 years of professional experience in Texas law enforcement and court operations. I have served over 24 ½ years with my current employer, including 19 years as Jail Administrator, where I was responsible for ensuring compliance with state laws, regulatory standards, and inspection requirements. This position required sound judgment, detailed knowledge of legal procedures, accurate documentation, and the fair and consistent application of policy. I also have years of direct judicial support experience, having worked as a clerk for 4 Justice of the Peace as a roaming clerk. In that capacity, I gained hands on knowledge of JP court procedures, case management, filing, warrants and public service. My experience in law enforcement and JP court has provided me with the judgement, training, and professionalism necessary to administer justice fairly and efficiently.
The Justice of the Peace for Kerr County, Precinct 4, serves as a constitutional judicial officer responsible for administering justice at a local level. The duties include Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only, such as traffic violations. The JP also hears civil cases involving small claims, evictions, debt claims and other civil matters within statutory limits. Additional responsibilities include conducting magistration duties, issuing warrants, setting bail, and ensuring defendants are informed of their rights. The JP may also conduct inquest. The Administrative duties include managing court records and ensuring compliance with state requirements. Above all JP is responsible for upholding the law with fairness, impartiality, and professionalism.
Don Harris is a long-time public servant with more than 30 years of service in Kerr County. A church member, former teacher, and community leader, spent 15 years as Lead Ag Teacher for the award-winning Tom Moore High School FFA Chapter, emphasizing character, responsibility, and hard work. Harris is now serving as Kerr County Commissioner for Precinct 4 in his second term, delivering results and playing a key role in disaster response and flood recovery negotiating with FEMA and TDEM on behalf of the Kerr County taxpayers. He is a strong supporter of law enforcement, volunteer fire departments, constitutional rights, private property, and conservation. Harris believes in fairness, common sense, and equal justice under the law, and seeks election as Justice of the Peace based on a proven record of service, not promises. His many years of service and wisdom will make him a natural as JP.
The Justice of the Peace in Kerr County, Texas in Precinct 4 presides over a Justice Court within a specific precinct. The JP will handle Class C misdemeanors (such as traffic violations), civil cases up to $20,000, small claims, evictions and landlord-tenant disputes, and certain truancy cases. They also serve as magistrates, with authority to issue arrest and search warrants, set bail, administer oaths, and conduct preliminary hearings. In addition, JPs may perform marriage ceremonies and are responsible for conducting death inquests in cases where required by law. Administratively, they oversee court staff, maintain records, and manage court operations. Their authority is established by the Texas Constitution and Texas Government Code, and they must complete mandatory initial and continuing judicial training. Justice Courts are designed to be accessible and handle cases at the community level.
I am the most qualified candidate because I’ve spent over 20 years inside the Justice Court, serving as Court Administrator for our current Justice of The Peace. I’ve completed more than 300 hours of training through the Justice Court Training Center in San Marcos and I’m also a State Certified Master Clerk. I’ve personally handled over 10,000 civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. I’ve entered cases, maintained records, prepared judgements, and submitted final depositions. I’ve also prepared and submitted hundreds of required state and county reports. This is real, hands-on experience and it means I’m ready to serve effectively on day one.
As a Justice of The Peace, the JP must serve as a neutral and impartial judge to always ensure fairness and due process. The JP must be accessible to the public and treat all parties with dignity and respect. The JP must be up to date on civil/criminal procedures, state and county laws and state statues and bills. Their duties include, but are not limited to following: Advise defendants of their rights. Determine probable cause. Set bail amounts. Issue emergency orders. Review probable cause affidavits. Conduct administration hearings such as magistration, emergency protective orders, and mental health hearings. Conduct inquests for unattended or suspicious deaths, order autopsies when required, pronounce deaths, and sign death certificates. Must be able to work with law enforcement and medical professionals.
