The people judge
2024

why is this important for san antonio?

Decisions by judges have long term  homes, jobs, and freedoms. Therefore, voting for the right individual is crucial for not only you and your children, but your children’s children in the long term scope of things. 

As a community, we NEED to elect judges who have our best interests at heart; but oftentimes we don’t.

Why is that? 

In the state of Texas we often forget the importance of these individuals, and their value and power once elected. The judges you bring into office are not simply just individuals who try people in court, they are also responsible for upholding rules and regulations which may not always be the most fair. Learning about the judges on your ballot is by far one of the most beneficial things that you can do for your community. 

It is our hope that this judges voter guide can help demystify our judicial court system to make your decision on judicial candidates easier and better informed.

How To Use This Guide

PROFILE

Each Judge are categorized by their court, followed by a quick overview.
Each court has a brief explanation.

Clicking each picture will open to their full judge profile.

QUESTIONS

Each Judge profile has a section designated for common questions from the community.

NOTE: If there is a empty questions portion then the judge did not provide an answer.

CHARTS

After opening individual profiles, click the arrow to view a breakdown of finances from each judge and/or their team.

**dISCLAIMER**

The data collected here has been processed through a small team with ever changing capacities. Numbers are as accurate as they can be. They are subject to change as more data is released & research is done.

WHAT ARE THE COURTS?

COUNTY COURT
DISTRICT COURT
SUPREME COURT

DISTRICT COURT

liz

Elizabeth Martinez

Democrat | 73rd Judicial District

Service 2

A short description of the service and how the visitor will benefit from it.

COURT OF APPEALS

Velia J. Meza

Democrat | 4th Court of Appeals District | Place 2

Todd McCray

Republican | 4th Court of Appeals District | Place 3

Lori Massey Brissette

Republican | 4th Court of Appeals District | Place 3

Adrian Spears

Republican | 4th Court of Appeals District | Place 5

Cynthia Marie Chapa

Democrat | 4th Court of Appeals District | Place 3

Todd McCray

Republican | 4th Court of Appeals District | Place 3

COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

Lee Finley

Republican | Court of Criminal Appeals | Place 8

Gina Parker

Republican | Court of Criminal Appeals | Place 8

David J. Schenck

Republican | Court of Criminal Appeals | Presiding Judge

Service 4

A short description of the service and how the visitor will benefit from it.

SUPREME COURT

Bonnie Lee. Goldstein

Democrat | Supreme Court | Place 6

Randy Sarosdy

Democrat | Supreme Court | Place 2

DaSean Jones

Democrat | Supreme Court | Place 2

david Roberson

Libertarian | Supreme Court | Place 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

COUNTY COURTS

Constitutional County Courts
 

The Texas Constitution requires each of its 254 counties to have a county court, though not all handle judicial matters. In bigger counties, the county judge may focus solely on running the county. County courts with constitutional status handle Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases, which are more serious minor offenses. They also hear appeals from justice of the peace and municipal courts, except in counties where separate county courts at law handle these appeals instead.

County Courts at Law

Because the Texas Constitution allows only one county court per county, the Legislature has established statutory county courts at law in larger counties to support the single county court in its judicial duties. These statutory county courts at law have varying legal jurisdictions defined by the statutes that create them. Their jurisdiction may overlap with both county and district courts within the county. In civil matters, the jurisdiction of most county courts at law typically falls between that of justice of the peace courts (which handle smaller cases) and district courts (which handle larger cases). County courts at law also usually serve as appellate courts for cases appealed from justice of the peace and municipal courts.

Justice Courts

According to the Texas Constitution, each county must establish between one and eight justice of the peace precincts, depending on its population. Within each precinct, one or two justice of the peace courts are set up, also based on population. Justice of the peace courts handle Class C misdemeanor criminal cases, which are less serious minor offenses, along with minor civil matters. Justices of the peace can issue search or arrest warrants and may serve as coroners in counties without a medical examiner. They also oversee small claims cases.

Municipal Courts

The Texas Legislature has authorized the creation of municipal courts in every incorporated city in the state. Larger cities may have multiple municipal courts depending on their size and the community’s needs. These courts handle violations of city ordinances and, within city limits, they share jurisdiction with justice of the peace courts for Class C misdemeanor cases where the penalty is a small fine upon conviction. For certain city ordinances related to fire safety, zoning, and public health violations, fines can go up to $2,000 if approved by the city’s governing body. Fines up to $4,000 can be imposed for illegal dumping.

Municipal judges have the authority to issue search or arrest warrants. While municipal courts generally do not handle civil cases, they do have limited jurisdiction in cases involving concepts like ownership of dangerous dogs.




Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

DISTRICT COURTS

The district courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction of Texas, and each county must be served by at least one district court. 

However, it is not uncommon to see multiple district courts in urban areas. 

District courts have original jurisdiction in felony criminal cases, divorce cases, land disputes, election contests, etc. Civil matters in which the amount of money or damages involved is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not placed in another trial court. While most district courts try both criminal and civil cases, in the more densely populated counties the courts may specialize in civil, criminal, juvenile, or family law matters.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

SUPREME COURTS

The Supreme Court stands atop the American judiciary, its authority rooted in the Constitution. 

It serves as the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution, ensuring laws from Congress and lower courts align with its principles. This court tackles cases of profound constitutional significance or disputes between state laws, wielding finality in its decisions that shape national legal landscapes and establish crucial precedents for future rulings.

ELIZABETH MARTINEZ

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

VELIA J. MEZA

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

TODD MCCRAY

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

LORI MASSEY BRISSETTE

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

ADRIAN SPEARS

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

Cynthia Marie Chapa

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

lee finley

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

gina parker

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

DAVID J. SCHENCK

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

Bonnie Lee Goldstein

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

Randy Sarosdy

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

Dasean jones

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

DAVID ROBERSON

Click each picture below to enlarge the information.

The versions start with the information in english then again in spanish.

PAC/Party: A PAC (Political Action Committee) donation is a contribution made to a PAC, which is an organization that collects and distributes funds to support or oppose political candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must adhere to contribution limits and disclosure requirements. Donations can come from individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other entities. 

In-Kind: Donations made in the form of food, space, or any other miscellaneous form that cannot be defined as a straight monetary donation.

Out of Pocket/O.O.P (Estimate): Capital coming from the person themselves. 

SUPREME COURT

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court stands atop the American judiciary, its authority rooted in the Constitution. It serves as the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution, ensuring laws from Congress and lower courts align with its principles. This court tackles cases of profound constitutional significance or disputes between state laws, wielding finality in its decisions that shape national legal landscapes and establish crucial precedents for future rulings.

State-Supreme Court

A state supreme court is the highest appellate court within a state’s judicial system. Each state in the United States has its own supreme court, which typically serves as the final authority on interpretations of state law and the state constitution. State supreme courts hear appeals from lower state courts, addressing significant legal issues and ensuring consistency in the application of state laws. These courts play a crucial role in shaping legal precedents and resolving complex legal disputes within their respective states.

DISTRICT COURTS

The district courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction of Texas, and each county must be served by at least one district court. However, it is not uncommon to see multiple district courts in urban areas. 

District courts have original jurisdiction in felony criminal cases, divorce cases, land disputes, election contests, etc. Civil matters in which the amount of money or damages involved is $200 or more, and any matters in which jurisdiction is not placed in another trial court. While most district courts try both criminal and civil cases, in the more densely populated counties the courts may specialize in civil, criminal, juvenile, or family law matters.

COUNTY COURTS

Constitutional County Courts

The Texas Constitution requires each of its 254 counties to have a county court, though not all handle judicial matters. In bigger counties, the county judge may focus solely on running the county. County courts with constitutional status handle Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases, which are more serious minor offenses. They also hear appeals from justice of the peace and municipal courts, except in counties where separate county courts at law handle these appeals instead.

County Courts at Law

Because the Texas Constitution allows only one county court per county, the Legislature has established statutory county courts at law in larger counties to support the single county court in its judicial duties. These statutory county courts at law have varying legal jurisdictions defined by the statutes that create them. Their jurisdiction may overlap with both county and district courts within the county. In civil matters, the jurisdiction of most county courts at law typically falls between that of justice of the peace courts (which handle smaller cases) and district courts (which handle larger cases). County courts at law also usually serve as appellate courts for cases appealed from justice of the peace and municipal courts.

Justice Courts

According to the Texas Constitution, each county must establish between one and eight justice of the peace precincts, depending on its population. Within each precinct, one or two justice of the peace courts are set up, also based on population. Justice of the peace courts handle Class C misdemeanor criminal cases, which are less serious minor offenses, along with minor civil matters. Justices of the peace can issue search or arrest warrants and may serve as coroners in counties without a medical examiner. They also oversee small claims cases.

Municipal Courts

The Texas Legislature has authorized the creation of municipal courts in every incorporated city in the state. Larger cities may have multiple municipal courts depending on their size and the community’s needs. These courts handle violations of city ordinances and, within city limits, they share jurisdiction with justice of the peace courts for Class C misdemeanor cases where the penalty is a small fine upon conviction. For certain city ordinances related to fire safety, zoning, and public health violations, fines can go up to $2,000 if approved by the city’s governing body. Fines up to $4,000 can be imposed for illegal dumping.

Municipal judges have the authority to issue search or arrest warrants. While municipal courts generally do not handle civil cases, they do have limited jurisdiction in cases involving concepts like ownership of dangerous dogs.

 

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