Israel Garcia

What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

I have been a licensed Texas Attorney for 30 years. I have now been the Justice of the Peace for 3.5 years. That combination of background experience has allowed me to grow as a professional. I believe I have developed the ability to apply the law to the facts of each case appearing before me. In the past 3.5 years, I have communicated with counsel, jurors, witnesses and parties appearing in Court calmly and courteously. Patience, compassion, humility and common sense guide me daily.

How do decisions made by Justices of the Peace impact the everyday lives of the people of Harris County?

All judges that serve the public must have experiences in their daily and professional lives that help them understand the circumstances of the parties that appear in Court. The Justice of the Peace Court is the Court closest to the community. Citizens bring all kinds of disputes and disagreements that are of urgency to them. As a judge hearing these matters and resolving them in a productive way allows all parties to move on with their lives in a productive way that benefits the community.

What initiatives will you implement to facilitate the resolution of the small claims cases and landlord-tenant disputes that come before your court?

Mediation is mandated for all small claims cases that appear before the Court. Most cases resolve at this level. As far as Landlord-Tenant disputes, the Court has always allowed and encouraged legal organizations to provide legal services to tenants appearing in Court. Judge Garcia has provided office space, computer and equipment to any legal service appearing in Court. The Neighborhood Defender Service of Texas is present in Court on every eviction docket and works very well with the Court.