Pena serves as staff attorney for the Office of Court Administration with the Bexar County Criminal District Courts. An attorney for almost 10 years, she previously worked as an assistant district attorney. She worked as a case manager for Catholic Charities before graduating from St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Hear from the candidate
Why should voters choose you?
I have dedicated my career to public service. Throughout my career it has been my goal to use my skills, knowledge, education and personal experience to create a positive impact in the community. I have done that providing social services as a case manager at Catholic Charities, as a prosecutor with the Bexar County District Attorney’s office and as a staff attorney with District Court administration. My career path has given me the knowledge, experience and temperament to run a fair and efficient court.
What do you see as the top challenge facing our local court system, and how should it be addressed?
“Assembly line justice” is one of the top challenges facing the criminal County Court system and one that tends to most affect lower socioeconomic groups. To achieve meaningful justice, a judge should not take a “one size fits all” approach. A judge can significantly and positively impact lives each day. The system is better served when a judge takes a holistic approach, considers the individual and facts in front of them, and strives to find productive solutions that lead to real results for both the individual and community.
