Jessica Gonzalez, 48, is a trial attorney in private practice who helped change the state penal code to deny bail in certain family violence cases. She has a law degree from St. Mary’s University and spent nearly eight years as a prosecutor at the Bexar County District Attorney’s office. She’s one of three Democrats running to replace Judge Gloria Saldaña.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my campaign. My name is Jessica Gonzalez, and I want your vote for Judge of County Court #9. I am a proud graduate of St. Mary’s School of Law, and for over 20 years I have worked hard for all citizens of Bexar County in my professional and personal life.
I started my career here as an Assistant District Attorney for Bexar County, and for the last 13 years, I have represented adults and juveniles accused of crimes. As a volunteer for the Junior League of San Antonio, an executive board member of the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, and a graduate of Leadership Women, I have a vested interest in our community, and I look forward to further serving this wonderful city I proudly call my home.
2. Describe your educational background.
When I started college, I planned to become a high school government and history teacher. I enjoyed learning the lessons American history taught us and wanted to share with young minds. But as I completed my coursework, my passion and interest in law grew. I pivoted from teaching to the study of law particularly constitutional law.
After I graduated with a B.A. in History from Old Dominion University in 2000, I attended St. Mary’s School of Law and graduated with a law degree in 2004. While I studied at St. Mary’s, I interned at the Bexar County D.A.’s office. I again changed course in my career goals and decided my best fit was in criminal law as a trial attorney. I have practiced criminal law since day 1 as a licensed attorney.
3. Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and noteworthy accomplishments.
As a criminal trial attorney for over 21 years, I have accomplished a lot during my career: trying cases to juries and judges, comforting victims of crime, publishing legal articles, helping clients navigating the legal system. But with all I’ve accomplishments, my most beloved achievement is my involvement in drafting legislation for an amendment to the Texas Constitution, a statute in the Texas Penal Code, and an article in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
In 2006 a San Antonio woman was the victim of a horrific murder. In accordance to then procedure, a judge released the victim’s estranged husband on bail after
he was arrested for assaulting her. Because of my extensive work in protective orders and knowledge in appellate law, I worked with my colleagues in drafting legislation denying bail in certain family violence cases.
In all my successful convictions and fruitful endeavors with the D.A.’s office, I take the most joy in seeing my own research, experience, and hard work turn into a section in the Texas Constitution and provisions in Texas codes. From a tragic loss of life came a legal way to help and protect future victims of family violence.
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 will address public safety through the judicial canon that an independent, fair, and competent judiciary will interpret and apply the laws that govern. By running the court efficiently and fairly, public safety will be honored through the natural course of due process.
In trusting prosecutors to see that justice is served and in expecting defense attorneys to represent their clients, the criminal justice system shall work as intended. Lastly, restitution can come in many forms whether it’s money for damages of the crime or giving back to the community as a whole through community service work or by taking classes to better oneself, this is all best addressed by paying careful attention and knowing the options available by the law.
5. Why are you seeking this office, and why did you decide to be a candidate in the political party you chose?
County Court at Law No. 9 has succumbed to the enormous backlog of cases in the Bexar County courthouse brought on by the pandemic and the overall increase in criminal activity. This backlog burdens the criminal justice system overall.
I have the experience to work through these cases, take on additional cases, and hope to bring a speciality court to address the needs of young offenders in Bexar County. My commitment to due process and promise to protect the fundamental rights of all persons drove my decision to run as a Democrat.
