Natalia "Nata" Cornelio

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

I am currently the sitting judge for the court, and am proud of my accomplishments since having joined the bench on January 1, 2021. I’ve presided over more than 10,000 felony cases in my first term, and am co-presiding judge of the competency restoration docket. I work HARD and bring compassion and a commitment to justice to the bench. I am also actively involved with the community, and regularly host student interns and student groups in the court.

What, if any, alternatives to incarceration do you support? Please discuss program options, as well as when and how such alternatives can be used.

If the question is before me, I consider alternatives to incarceration in any eligible case. I support rehabilitative programs for persons who suffer from addiction and mental health issues. As co-presiding judge of the competency restoration docket, I work with defendants who need resources in order to be able to resolve their cases.

In setting bail amounts, how will you balance Texas’s constitutionally mandated bail requirements with other conditions of release including minimizing any public safety threat the defendant may present to community? Please discuss both first time and repeat offenders.

I consider all factors required under the law in setting bail. Criminal history is a factor that judges are required to consider in setting bail. A
Comprehensive list of factors that a judge must consider in setting bail can be found at Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, section 17.15.