Maritza Perez-Stewart, 42, is the chief of the family justice unit at the Guadalupe County Attorney’s Office. She has been a prosecutor, defense attorney, staff attorney and professor. She’s one three Democrats running to replace Judge Gloria Saldaña.
Hear from the candidate
1. Please tell voters about yourself.
I was born in Seoul, South Korea to a mother and father who were in the army stationed in South Korea. My family moved to San Antonio when I was in elementary school, and I went to Judson High School where I played on the varsity basketball team. I am involved in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated where we believe into service for all mankind and participate in numerous community service projects focused on education, health, and advocacy.
2. Describe your educational background.
I went to Judson High School, received my bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of the Incarnate Word, received my Master’s degree in Public Administration, and my law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law.
3. Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and noteworthy accomplishments.
I have been a prosecutor with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and the Guadalupe County Attorney’s Office for the majority of my career. In those roles, I have primarily focused on prosecuting violent crimes against women and children, trying dozens of cases dealing with the worst of the worst. I have also been a criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of J.M. Perez-Stewart, a solo practice firm, and a staff attorney for the Bexar County Court judges.
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?
My philosophy on the criminal justice system is informed by my extensive experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and staff attorney to judges. I believe that the county courts are at the cross roads where many people face a choice on whether to change their behavior or continue on the path that leads them to more serious criminal violations.
I believe that there are three main causes to criminal behavior: 1. Poverty 2. Mental health challenges 3. Addiction.
My job as a judge is to identify which one of these causes are relevant to a particular defendant, and use the resources available to me to address the issue. My experience gives me the ability to understand the difference between a person that can be rehabilitated and a person who is a danger to the community and deal with each accordingly.
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 office because I have spent my career in public service, and I come from a family where public service is expected. I believe that my experience in the criminal justice system for over a decade allows me to be uniquely positioned to address the issues facing our community in regards to recidivism and criminal behavior.
As a lifelong Democrat, I believe that the Democratic Party values each individual person as more than the worst thing they have ever done, and my goal as judge is to foster that belief in the fundamental goodness of the people that will appear before me, and place people on the right path to reach their potential.
