Mary Ann grew up in southeast Texas. A proud daughter of immigrants from the Philippines, she moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas and has called it home ever since. She lives downtown with her dogs, Abby and Benny and can often be found at local festivals, live music shows, and neighborhood events.

About | Judge Mary Ann Espiritu — Re-Elect Judge Mary Ann Espiritu

Mary Ann Espiritu grew up in southeast Texas. She moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas and has called it home ever since.

Mary Ann grew up in southeast Texas. She moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas and has called it home ever since.

Before her election, Mary Ann spent over 20 years practicing law, most recently as a partner in her own firm, where she worked as a defense attorney. She also served as legal counsel for the Texas Department of Public Safety and has received several awards from the Austin Chronicle.

Mary Ann previously practiced law as a defense attorney and partner in her own firm, and served as legal counsel for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

About
༻Meet Mary Ann༺

Judge Espiritu has served as the presiding judge of County Court at Law #5 since January, 2023. She previously worked as a defense attorney in private practice and prior to that, as a Staff Attorney for the Texas Department of Public Safety. She has been licensed to practice law since 2001.

Mary Ann has served as the presiding judge of County Court at Law #5 since January 2023.

Mary Ann Espiritu has served as the presiding judge of County Court at Law #5 since January 2023.

2026 Texas General Election

Has served as the presiding judge of County Court at Law #5 since January 2023.

Practiced law for over 20 years, most recently as a partner at her own firm and as a defense attorney.

Served as legal counsel for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

- Has served as the presiding judge of County Court at Law #5 since January 2023.
- Practiced law for over 20 years, most recently as a partner at her own firm and as a defense attorney.
- Served as legal counsel for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Legal Experience

“Since taking the bench, I’ve worked every day to ensure that County Court at Law #5 is a place where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. I’ve brought my decades of experience as a defense attorney and community advocate to the courtroom, making sure that justice is accessible and equal for all.”

As a defense lawyer, Mary Ann offered free legal representation to protesters who were detained during protests against police brutality. She has served on the boards of multiple local advocacy organizations and earned recognition as the Travis County Democratic Party’s “Precinct Chair of the Year” in 2020.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together. I’m asking for your support as I run for re-election: We will continue to build a more compassionate and equitable criminal justice system in Travis County.”

Works to ensure that County Court at Law #5 treats everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness and makes justice accessible and equal.

Plans to continue building a more compassionate and equitable criminal justice system in Travis County.

- Works to ensure that County Court at Law #5 treats everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness and makes justice accessible and equal.
- Plans to continue building a more compassionate and equitable criminal justice system in Travis County.

Judicial Philosophy

As Judge, Mary Ann champions diversion programs and supports people on the path to recovery. She has made sure that people who come before the court are seen as individuals and more than just their case number. Her dedication to the community is evident in her track record.

Judge Espiritu currently serves on the committee that spearheads the Travis County Counsel at first Appearance (CAFA). CAFA signifies a critical stage in the legal process, especially regarding the pretrial justice and the potential for pretrial incarceration. It is the point where a person formally appears before a judge after being arrested, and it is often a point where critical decisions, like bail and release conditions, are made. Having legal representation at this stage is significant because it can ensure that individuals who are accused of crimes understand their rights, can challenge the basis for detention, and can advocate for their release or less restrictive conditions.

Champions diversion programs and supports people on the path to recovery.

Serves on the committee that spearheads Travis County Counsel at First Appearance, a program concerning legal representation at initial appearances after arrest.

- Champions diversion programs and supports people on the path to recovery.
- Serves on the committee that spearheads Travis County Counsel at First Appearance, a program concerning legal representation at initial appearances after arrest.

Judicial Administration

As of July 22, 2026, Mary Ann Espiritu’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Mary Ann Espiritu

Mary Ann is from southeast Texas. She has a bachelor 27s degree from the University of Texas. She lives downtown with her dogs, Abby and Benny.

Find A Lawyer | Mary Angeline Espiritu - State Bar of Texas

Before taking the bench, Mary Ann was a defense attorney and community advocate.

Mary Ann is currently the presiding judge of the Travis County Court at Law #5. She was elected in 2022 and took office in 2023. Before her election, she spent over 20 years practicing law as a defense attorney.

County Courts | Travis County, Texas

Elected Officials - Travis County Archives

Has over 20 years of legal experience, most recently as a partner in her own firm, working as a defense attorney.

Served on the boards of multiple local advocacy organizations and recognized as the Travis County Democratic Party’s “Precinct Chair of the Year” in 2020.

Served on the board of a nonprofit collaborative organization in Austin, Texas, focused on providing community-based care for individuals impacted by substance use disorders.

Mary Ann is from southeast Texas. She has lived in Austin since attending college. She lives downtown with her dogs, Abby and Benny.

Mary Ann is a judge for Travis County Court at Law #5. Before taking the bench, she worked as a defense attorney, most recently as a partner in her own firm. She also served as legal counsel for the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

Mary Ann is currently the presiding judge of the Travis County Court at Law #5. She was elected in 2022 and began serving in 2023. Before her election, she spent over 20 years practicing law, most recently as a partner in her own firm.

Has over 20 years of legal experience, most recently as a partner in her own firm, specializing as a defense attorney.

Serves on the board of a nonprofit collaborative organization in Austin, Texas, focused on providing community-based care for individuals impacted by substance use disorders.

Buket Urgen

Mauricio Mendez

- A County Court-At-Law judge handles misdemeanors, such as assault of a family member, property theft between $750 and $2,500, and using force against a law enforcement officer. They also handle civil cases where the amount in question does not exceed $200,000. 
- County Court-At-Law judges conduct arraignments, pre-trial hearings, and jury trials, as well as accept guilty pleas. 
- They are elected in a partisan, county-wide election to a four-year term. 
- Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 25 years old, have been a Texas and county resident for at least 24 consecutive months, a practicing lawyer and/or judge in Texas for at least four years, and registered to vote in that county.
- The annual salary for County Court-At-Law Judges ranges from $174,000 to $244,500, depending on years of service and how much they receive as a county supplement.

Handles civil and criminal cases from District Courts.