Jessica Padilla | BallotReady

Bachelor's, Stephen F Austin State University

Jessica N. Padilla earned a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law.

Candidate website

Jessica N. Padilla earned a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. She is married and has two children.

Harris County District Attorney, Prosecutor

Jessica N. Padilla works as a prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

Jessica N. Padilla previously worked as a prosecutor and defense attorney. 

Currently holds the office of Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge - Court 14 until December 31, 2026.

Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge - Court 14 in November 8, 2022 Texas General Election

Jessica currently serves as the Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge for Court 14. She was elected to the position in 2022.

2026 Texas General Election

As a defense attorney with the STAR Drug Court, worked in the Responsive Interventions for Change docket and implemented therapeutic treatment options for non‑violent, low‑level drug and prostitution cases to reduce recidivism.

As a prosecutor, determined which cases and charges would be tried in court, prosecuted criminal charges on behalf of the government, and provided sentencing recommendations for convicted felons.

Worked in indigent defense, representing clients in both misdemeanor and felony courts.

- As a defense attorney with the STAR Drug Court, worked in the Responsive Interventions for Change docket and implemented therapeutic treatment options for non‑violent, low‑level drug and prostitution cases to reduce recidivism.
- As a prosecutor, determined which cases and charges would be tried in court, prosecuted criminal charges on behalf of the government, and provided sentencing recommendations for convicted felons.
- Worked in indigent defense, representing clients in both misdemeanor and felony courts.
- Serves as a criminal court at law judge.

Legal Experience

### CCL#14

Judge Jessica N. Padilla (CCL#14)
Coordinator: Virginia Almanza-Cerda (832) 927-3425

Court 14 Appearance Policy

As of January 1, 2023, everyone must appear in person to court. In extenuating circumstances, approval for waived appearances may be staffed with the Judge prior to the Court date.

Court Info & Policies – Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

As a county criminal court-at-law judge, she requires in-person court appearances, with exceptions approved before court dates.

- As a county criminal court-at-law judge, she requires in-person court appearances, with exceptions approved before court dates.

Judicial Administration

As of July 22, 2026, Jessica N. Padilla’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Served as President of the Total Board of Education, Chair of the School Finance Committee, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, Booster Club President, and PTO President, Vice President, and Treasurer.

Participates in her church and in her children's parochial schools.

- Served as President of the Total Board of Education, Chair of the School Finance Committee, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, Booster Club President, and PTO President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
- Participates in her church and in her children's parochial schools.

Community Involvement

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Jessica N. Padilla

Served as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney's Office, representing the government in criminal cases.

Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 14

Jessica N. Padilla is currently a Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge - Court 14. She was first elected in 2022 and is serving her first term. She previously ran for Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge – Court 13 in 2018 and did not win.

Said, "The pandemic has highlighted the need for more efficient processes in our courts. We must adapt to ensure that justice is served without unnecessary delays."

Supports the expanded Language Access Plan, stating, "It's essential that all individuals, regardless of their language proficiency, have access to justice. This plan is a step in the right direction to ensure fairness in our courts."

Jessica N. Padilla has a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law.

"Jessica is a judge at Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 14. She previously worked as a prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney's Office."

Jessica N. Padilla is currently a judge of the Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law - Court 14. She was first elected in 2022 and is in her first term. She previously ran for Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge - Court 13 in 2018 and did not win.

Believes the pandemic has shown the need for more efficient court processes to prevent unnecessary delays in serving justice.

Jessica N. Padilla is currently a Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law Judge, Post 14. She was first elected in 2022 and is in her first term.

Court Info & Policies - Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association

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- Handles cases for Class A misdemeanors–including assault of a family member, property theft between $750 and $2,500, and using force against a law enforcement officer when resisting or evading arrest–and Class B misdemeanors–including criminal mischief and property theft between $100 and $750.
- Serves as an appellate judge for cases from local courts. They work on all cases they receive until they are closed or appealed to a higher court.
- County criminal court-at-law judges 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 criminal 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 various misdemeanors and criminal appeals from local courts.