Positive Changes
Currently
• Undergoing a digitalization project to convert all paper files to electronic records
• Upgraded the court's lobby with a paperless kiosk and numbering system que to serve all parties in a efficient manner. This system allows for individuals to receive text messages when they are next in line and reduces the wait time.
• Implementing the next phases of becoming paperless.
• Appointed to Dallas County's IT Technology Governance Subcommittee to support efforts in improving the county's IT infrastructure.
1st term
• Led efforts to implement a new case management system that went live October 31, 2022 for all Dallas county Justice Courts
• Hosted an Eviction Relief Seminar that over 125 participants online and in person seeking assistance in rent, mortgage, and utilities
• Extended court hours to better serve the public
• Implemented online e-file system for self represented litigants and other parties for Evictions and Debt Claims cases
• Partnered with North Texas Legal Aid in providing onsite attorneys to represent litigants facing eviction or needing legal representation
• Partnered with Dallas County Human Services in providing onsite eviction relief navigators to screen applicants for Dallas County's Eviction Diversion program on Eviction docket days.
• Continued to work with County Officials to ensure COVID-19 Protocols were implemented
• Hosted a Food Drive along with Precinct 4 Officials for families in need
• Participated in cleaning up Loyd Park for Grand Prairie's Annual Big Event
• Implemented Teen Court to address Juvenile Truancy and at-risk youth
• Signed and Implemented a Joint Order with other Justice of the Peace Courts to temporarily halt evictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent displaced families from being homeless during the pandemic
• Halted all court proceedings as directed by the Texas Supreme Court and Office of Court Administration due to the pandemic
• Initiated online filing of cases and online payments for civil cases
• Worked with County Officials to ensure COVID-19 Protocols were implemented
• Reinstated Payment plans AND Community Service for traffic citations and other Class C Misdemeanor Offenses (This gives individuals additional options to take care of their citations which reduces the number of warrants and dispose of tickets)
• Implemented Mediation to effectively resolve Small Claims, Debt Claims and other Civil Claims with Dallas County Dispute Resolution Center (This reduces docket/court setting sizes and wait times to be heard and will move old cases) As a result, I have reduced civil case backlog of approx. 80%.
• Added Pre-Trial Settings to address large backlog of previously set cases not disposed from 2017 or older
• Collaborated with City of Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie ISD, and Irving ISD for additional programs to address and reduce Truancy students in the Precinct
• Started first steps in transitioning the court from paper to become the first JP Court in Dallas County to become paperless and electronic (This will serve as a model to other JP Court Judges who wish to become paperless)
• Currently working with Dallas County Elected Officials and staff to implement and pilot a new Court Case Management System for the Justice of the Peace Courts (make office more effective)
• Implemented summer and year-round student internships for high school students (junior/seniors) and college students. 5 students graduated in summer 2019
• Selected to serve on Dallas County’s Technology Steering committee for the selection of a new county-wide case management system
• Hosted, along with other Precinct 4 officials, the first State of the Precinct Event. This event gives Precinct 4 stakeholders updates as well as receive feedback from the community
• Partnered with Meals on Wheels to serve meals for the less fortunate in Grand Prairie
• Upgraded the court’s phone system to reduce effectively route, reduce extended call times, and hold the court accountable
• Received a Leadership and Excellence Award from the Dallas County Dispute Resolution Center for implementation of mediation and onsite mediators at the court
