A Day in the Life – Part 4: The District Judge

District courts have original jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases, major civil disputes, and family law matters. Texas district courts have original jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases, as outlined in the Texas Government Code. These cases often involve serious offenses and require careful attention to both legal procedure and constitutional rights.

The District Judge’s role is to ensure fairness, manage the courtroom and make rulings that will withstand appellate scrutiny. In Atascosa County, two district courts serve our region – the 81st and 218th Judicial District Courts. Judge Jennifer Dillingham presides over the 81st District, while Judge Russell Wilson over the 218th. Both courts serve a multicounty region, which includes Atascosa, Frio, Karnes, La Salle, and Wilson Counties. The District Judges presiding here each manage a diverse caseload that reflects the community’s needs and legal complexities.

In addition to criminal cases, District Courts oversee a wide range of civil and family law matters. Cases might involve land disputes between neighboring property owners, breach of contract between two businesses and tax disputes. Family law hearings include a child custody modification, a temporary orders hearing in a divorce and various other matters. District court judges in Texas regularly preside over civil cases involving personal injury, real estate, contracts, and probate. They also handle family law cases such as divorces, adoptions, custody issues, and child welfare cases.

These proceedings often involve highly emotional testimony and require a balanced, compassionate approach and a firm understanding of Texas law. The judge listens carefully to arguments and evidence, asking pointed questions where necessary to clarify the issues before issuing a ruling from the bench. In other weeks, the courts preside over jury trials. Each case presents unique challenges, but the responsibility remains to uphold justice, protect rights and serve the people of Atascosa County.

Every case, regardless of size or complexity, carries weight and consequence – something our District Judges understand well. Their decisions can shape lives, resolve conflicts and protect individual rights. That’s why these roles are filled through elections, with judges serving four-year terms. To qualify, they must be licensed attorneys with at least four years of legal experience. But beyond the credentials, their commitment to fairness and justice truly defines their public service.

Judge Jennifer Dillingham of the 81st District and Judge Russell Wilson of the 218th District serve the people of Atascosa County with dedication and professionalism, as they do for their entire District. It is a privilege to work alongside them in our shared mission to serve the people of this county.

Thank you for following along with this series. I hope it has provided valuable insight into the many roles that keep county government running daily.