On Monday, May 5, 2025, the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly reprimanded Marissa Garza, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Place 1 in Hebbronville, Jim Hogg County, Texas, for misconduct related to the improper issuance of a summons. The decision followed a review of allegations during the commission’s meeting on April 2-3, 2025.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Marissa Garza,” with case number 25-0303.

The commission found that on October 23, 2024, Judge Garza issued a summons ordering Raul Gonzalez Sr. to appear in her court to discuss a property dispute with Nelda Salazar, despite no case being filed. The summons, which lacked a cause number, directed a peace officer to command Gonzalez’s appearance to address an alleged offense based on a complaint by Salazar. It included a warning that failure to appear could result in an arrest warrant.

In her response to the commission, Garza acknowledged that the summons was inappropriate and not in line with Article 15.03 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which outlines specific conditions under which a magistrate may issue a summons or arrest warrant. She explained that she intended to mediate a personal dispute between Gonzalez and Salazar, describing it as an attempt to bring the parties together for discussion. Garza noted that she had used similar methods in the past to resolve community disputes in her small town but recognized that issuing a summons was not the correct approach due to its coercive nature.

The commission determined that Garza’s actions violated multiple provisions of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct. Specifically, she failed to comply with and maintain competence in the law, used her judicial position to advance Salazar’s private interests, and did not treat Gonzalez with patience, dignity, or courtesy. These actions were deemed willful and persistent, inconsistent with her judicial duties, and damaging to public confidence in the judiciary.

The reprimand also cited a violation of Article V, Section 1-a(6)A of the Texas Constitution, which prohibits conduct that discredits the judiciary or justice administration.

The Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct issued the public reprimand under its authority in Article V, Section 1-a(8) of the Texas Constitution to uphold judicial standards and public trust in the legal system.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.