Area judges hold first meeting in La Salle

By Editor | October 23, 2024

“Address our shared challenges…”

The first gathering of justices of the peace from counties across South Texas was held Wednesday, October 16, in La Salle County with a conference at the AB Alexander Convention Center in Cotulla.
Organized and funded in large part by Pct. 1 JP Roxanna Rodriguez, the event attracted judges from La Salle, Frio, Duval, Webb, DeWitt, Karnes, Brooks and Zavala counties to address key legal and procedural issues affecting their communities.
Guest speakers at the convention center included 81st Judicial District Attorney Audrey Louis; Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Kassandra Valenzuela; Texas DPS Sergeant and Cotulla ISD Board Member Robert Ayala; La Salle Fire Rescue Chief Daniel Mendez; Cotulla Mayor Sandra Luna; La Salle County Fair Queen Mia Anadela Garcia; and Robert Herrera Jr. from the EPS Monitoring Company.
A highlight was Herrera’s presentation on the Frio County GPS Monitoring pilot program, which is designed to enhance oversight and accountability for adult misdemeanor cases.
The agenda included discussions covering state laws related to juvenile and adult criminal and civil matters, emphasizing the need for consistency across counties. Attendees shared best practices for justices of the peace, discussing ways to improve daily procedures and decision-making.

Justices of the peace from counties across South Texas accepted invitations from La Salle Pct. 1 JP Roxanna Rodriguez (Front row, center) to attend a conference discussing current issues. La Salle and Frio counties were also represented by Judges Janie Megliorino and Susan Belding.

“This meeting offers an important platform for collaboration among our counties,” JP Rodriguez said. “By working together, we can better address our shared challenges and continue improving the justice system for our communities.”
The event concluded with a commitment to hold the meeting annually, ensuring continued cooperation and problem-solving among regional judicial leaders.
A luncheon was sponsored by Ronald Rocha from the Linebarger Blair Coggan & Sampson law firm.
JP Rodriguez is extending her thanks to the many who attended from across South Texas and to those who helped organize the event, as well as those who hosted vendor and information booths at the convention center, the Linda Morena store, La Salle Western Wear, South Texas Rural Health Services, Inc., Twisted Kreations, Hometown Health Care and the Brush Country Chamber of Commerce.
Haylee Muriel and Rylee Muriel led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance; Judge Trent Enriquez gave the opening prayer.
Door prizes were supplied by local donors, county officials and their staff, and by service providers. JP Rodriguez is also extending thanks to supporting organizers Jo Anne Ramirez, Olga Marroquin, and Aida Vanessa Garcia.