Deborah Dietzmann is a public defender who started her career in the Bexar County DA’s office and has practiced law for more than 25 years. She’s running unopposed for the Republican nomination in Bexar County Court at Law No. 12, currently represented by Judge Yolanda Huff.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I was born at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and I have proudly called San Antonio home for more than 30 years. Bexar County is where I live, work, and serve, and my commitment to this community is both personal and professional. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in English from Texas Tech University, graduating magna cum laude.
My dedication to public service has defined my legal career and guides my approach to the justice system. With 25 years of experience on both sides of the courtroom, I understand how court decisions affect victims, defendants, families, and the broader community. I believe our courts must be fair, accessible, and firmly grounded in constitutional principles.
Throughout my career as a prosecutor, private practitioner, and public defender, I have remained dedicated to keeping Bexar County safe while protecting the rights guaranteed to every citizen. This balanced perspective informs my commitment to fairness, accountability, and professionalism. I believe the judiciary must serve the public with integrity, impartiality, and respect, while strengthening community safety and confidence in our courts.
2. Describe your educational background.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in English from Texas Tech University, graduating magna cum laude. My academic training sharpened my analytical skills and strengthened my ability to communicate clearly—qualities essential to effective judicial service.
I went on to earn my Juris Doctor from Texas A&M School of Law, where I was a member of Phi Delta Phi, an international legal honor society dedicated to high standards of professional ethics and academic excellence. My legal education emphasized ethical responsibility, sound legal reasoning, and respect for the rule of law.
This foundation prepared me for the demands of the courtroom and reinforced the importance of impartiality, professionalism, and careful judgment. I remain committed to continuing legal education to ensure I stay current on the law and best practices within the judiciary.
3. Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and noteworthy accomplishments.
I bring 25 years of legal experience on both sides of the courtroom. I began my career at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting both felony and misdemeanor cases. My work covered a broad range of serious and violent offenses, including drug crimes, thefts, burglaries, assaults, DWIs, intoxication manslaughter, white-collar crimes, immigration matters, and family violence cases.
After leaving the District Attorney’s Office, I opened a private practice and devoted a significant portion of my work to pro bono service.
I currently serve as a public defender, advocating for the constitutional rights of individuals within the criminal justice system while working toward outcomes that strengthen the community as a whole.
This balanced experience gives me a comprehensive understanding of the justice system from every perspective. I am prepared to run an efficient, organized, and professional courtroom that treats all parties with respect and ensures cases move forward fairly and without unnecessary delay.
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?
Restitution is a critical component of justice, ensuring that victims are heard and that offenders are held responsible for their actions. When the law is enforced consistently and fairly, it reinforces public trust and confidence in the courts.
At the same time, I recognize that not all offenders pose a danger to the public. For non-violent offenders, and when permitted by law, courts can offer structured alternatives that promote responsibility, compliance, and rehabilitation. Used appropriately, these tools can reduce repeat offenses while still preserving accountability and respect for the rule of law.
Each case must be evaluated on its own merits, guided by the facts, the law, and the risk posed to the community. I am committed to making timely, well-reasoned decisions that balance firmness with fairness. Public safety will always be my highest priority, and judicial discretion must be exercised carefully and lawfully to support outcomes that strengthen both the justice system and the community it serves.
5. Why are you seeking this office, and why did you decide to be a candidate in the political party you chose?
I am seeking this judicial office because I believe Bexar County deserves a judge who is prepared, principled, and committed to maintaining a professional and efficient courtroom. I am determined to address the revolving-door cycle of repeat offenders who are arrested and quickly released, a pattern that undermines both public safety and public confidence in the justice system. Firm, fair, and lawful decision-making is essential to accountability and trust.
Beyond individual rulings, I believe the manner in which a court is run matters. I am committed to a courtroom grounded in respect, order, and professional decorum, as well as an accessible and responsive office where the public can engage with the court openly and with confidence. A well-managed courtroom promotes fairness, efficiency, and dignity for all who come before it.
I chose to run as a Republican because my judicial philosophy is grounded in constitutional principles, the rule of law, personal responsibility, and public safety. I respect the proper role of the judiciary—to apply the law fairly and without bias, not to legislate from the bench. My approach is guided by integrity, restraint, and a commitment to serving the people of Bexar County.
