Andrea Arevalos was first elected judge in Bexar County Court at Law No. 5 in 2022. She was a victims’ advocate in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office before receiving her law degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law and later returning to the DA’s office as a prosecutor. She’s unopposed in her first reelection race.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
My name is Andrea Arevalos, and I currently serve as the Presiding Judge of County Court at Law No. 5. I am 40 years old and have proudly called San Antonio home for nearly 20 years. I live in the northwest area of San Antonio.
My commitment to community involvement is rooted in public service. My family and I have volunteered at our local food bank, and I proudly support local veteran and LGBTQ+ organizations. I also regularly speak with students at various schools and universities, sharing my experiences in public service and the legal profession.
Staying engaged with the community helps me remain grounded, accessible, and informed as a judge and public servant. I am proud to serve the people of Bexar County and remain committed to giving back to the community.
2. Describe your educational background.
I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2008, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Legal Studies. Following graduation, I worked for approximately two years at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office as a victims’ advocate. That experience gave me firsthand exposure to the justice system and solidified my commitment to pursuing a legal career.
I then attended Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where I focused on developing a strong foundation in advocacy and public service. I graduated with honors in 2013. My educational path, combined with my early professional experience, prepared me for a career dedicated to fairness, accountability, and service to the community.
3. Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and noteworthy accomplishments.
I began my legal career at a large Texas personal injury firm, where I gained valuable experience in civil litigation. Although I learned a great deal, after one year I returned to public service, accepting a position as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Bexar County. For eight years I worked as a prosecutor. I handled thousands of cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies and served in multiple divisions, giving me broad experience within the criminal justice system.
In 2022, I was elected Judge of County Court at Law No. 5 and was sworn in on January 1, 2023. County Court at Law No. 5 is a criminal misdemeanor court that handles low-level, non-violent offenses. Many of the individuals who appear before my court are first-time offenders with little or no prior criminal history.
My professional background in private practice, prosecution, and the judiciary has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the law and the real-world impact of judicial decisions. It strengthens my commitment to fairness, consistency, and thoughtful case management.
4. Philosophically, how do you balance the public’s desire for restitution in all types of crimes, while also providing a productive path forward for offenders who don’t pose a danger to the public?
I believe accountability and rehabilitation go hand in hand. Many individuals who appear in County Court at Law No. 5 are good people who made poor choices and are charged with low-level, non-violent offenses. When guilt is established, accountability is essential—but it should be purposeful and effective.
Restitution matters, and victims deserve to see responsibility taken and harm acknowledged. At the same time, meaningful interventions are often the best way to prevent future offenses. I focus on outcomes that require individuals to accept responsibility, learn from their mistakes, and move forward in a productive way. When appropriate, I use available resources such as treatment, counseling, or education to address underlying issues that contributed to the offense.
This balanced approach respects victims, protects public safety, and promotes fairness. By holding individuals accountable while offering a path toward rehabilitation, the justice system can reduce repeat behavior and strengthen the community as a whole.
5. Why are you seeking this office, and why did you decide to be a candidate in the political party you chose?
I was born and raised a Democrat in a household of hardworking parents who taught me the importance of giving back to the community and advocating for underserved and marginalized populations. They instilled in me the values of hard work, opportunity, fairness, equality, and using my voice for good—values that reflect my belief in core Democratic ideals.
In 2021, I decided to run for this bench because I wanted to do more for my community within the criminal justice system. Seeking this office was a natural progression of my career. I have grown up in the legal profession, working my way through the ranks as an unpaid college intern, support staff member, and attorney. Each step forward was motivated by a desire to grow professionally while serving the community more effectively.
I am grateful to continue serving as Judge of County Court at Law No. 5 and honored to have earned a second term, unopposed by either party. My experience allows me to approach each case with fairness, compassion, consistency, and reason, always considering the broader impact on the community. Serving in this role is how I continue to give back while ensuring justice is fair and accessible to all.
