My name is Bert Richardson. I am currently a Judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (TCCA – the State high court for criminal cases). I am 69 years old. I have been a resident of San Antonio for over 50 years. I was raised in an Air Force family, have lived in Europe and South America for 10 years, I served a two-year mission for my church in Argentina, and I am fluent in Spanish. I am active in my church and a frequent speaker at State Bar conferences and all levels of schools across the State.

Bert Richardson | 2026 candidate for Fourth Court of Appeals - San Antonio Report

2. Describe your educational background. Because my father was in the USAF, I attended six elementary schools, two middle schools and four high schools before graduating from Judson High School in Converse, Texas. I have an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, and I graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. I am Board Certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

1. Please tell voters about yourself. My name is Bert Richardson. I am currently a Judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (TCCA – the State high court for criminal cases). I am 69 years old. I have been a resident of San Antonio for over 50 years.

I was raised in an Air Force family, have lived in Europe and South America for 10 years, I served a two-year mission for my church in Argentina, and I am fluent in Spanish. I am active in my church and a frequent speaker at State Bar conferences and all levels of schools across the State.

Bert Richardson served a two-year mission for his church in Argentina. He earned an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and a law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. He has been a resident of San Antonio for over 50 years and is active in his church.

Why the Fourth Court of Appeals is a political battleground

Bert Richardson earned an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and a law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. He has been a resident of San Antonio for over 50 years and is active in his church.

Has experience as a trial and appellate lawyer.

Bert has been a judge in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals since 2015. He also has ten years of experience as the 379th District Court Judge in Texas.

2026 Texas General Election

Judge Bert Richardson. Place 3. Judge Bert Richardson was elected to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2014, and he began his term on January 1, 2015. He was reelected in 2020. From 1988 to 1999 he was a trial and appellate lawyer while serving as an Assistant District Attorney for Bexar County and as an Assistant U. S. Attorney for the Western District.

Judges | Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

I have been a Judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (TCCA) since 2015. From 1988 to 1999 I was a trial and appellate lawyer while serving as an Assistant District Attorney for Bexar County and an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.

I have been a Judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (TCCA) since 2015. From 1988 to 1999 I was a trial and appellate lawyer while serving as an Assistant District Attorney for Bexar County and an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas. I was appointed to the 379th District Court of Bexar County in 1999 by Gov. Bush. From 2009-2014, I served as a Senior Visiting Judge in over fifty counties across Texas presiding over civil and criminal cases.

I was named a St. Mary’s School of Law Distinguished Law Graduate in 2015 and in 2022 was the recipient of their annual Rosewood Gavel Award, awarded to an outstanding St. Mary’s Judge for their contribution to our system of constitutional democracy. I have extensive experience in death penalty and wrongful conviction cases at the trial and appellate levels.

Served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas from 1988 to 1999, prosecuting federal criminal cases.

Served as a trial and appellate lawyer from 1988 to 1999 while working as a state and federal prosecutor.

Served as a senior visiting judge from 2009 to 2014, presiding over civil and criminal cases in more than 50 Texas counties.

I was appointed to the 379th District Court of Bexar County in 1999 by Gov. Bush. From 2009-2014, I served as a Senior Visiting Judge in over fifty counties across Texas presiding over civil and criminal cases. I was an adjunct professor at San Antonio College, St. Mary’s University School of Law for over 20 years prior to being elected to the TCCA.

Has served as a Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, hearing criminal cases as a member of the state's highest criminal court since 2015.

Served as an assistant district attorney for Bexar County from 1988 to 1999, prosecuting cases under state law.

Served as a judge on Bexar County's 379th District Court after being appointed in 1999.

As a state district court judge, he oversaw all felony, probate, and civil cases, authorized naturalization proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Has experience at the trial and appellate levels in death-penalty and wrongful-conviction cases.

- Has served as a Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, hearing criminal cases as a member of the state's highest criminal court since 2015.
- Served as an assistant district attorney for Bexar County from 1988 to 1999, prosecuting cases under state law.
- As a state district court judge, he oversaw all felony, probate, and civil cases, authorized naturalization proceedings, and exercised authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- Has experience at the trial and appellate levels in death-penalty and wrongful-conviction cases.

Legal Experience

As of July 22, 2026, Bert Richardson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

The Republican Party judicial philosophy is consistent with my views of the role of judges in our society. Specifically, that role is that judges faithfully follow the Constitutions and laws of the United States and Texas and that the legislature makes the laws.

Since 2015 I have served with your support on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and would appreciate your vote for re-election. My background for over 30 years as a trial and appellate lawyer and a state judge makes me uniquely qualified to protect the ideals of truth and justice with unwavering vigilance. As a conservative-minded jurist, my responsibility is to faithfully follow the laws and constitutions of Texas and the U.S.A.

Message from Bert - Elect Judge Bert Richardson

I am running for Chief Justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals. These are issues that trial judges have the authority to rule upon. Although I was a trial judge for over 15 years, these are not legal matters or issues the Fourth Court of Appeals has any authority to rule upon.

Said judges should faithfully follow the U.S. and Texas constitutions and laws, while legislatures make laws.

Said the Fourth Court of Appeals lacks authority to rule on legal matters reserved for trial judges.

- Said judges should faithfully follow the U.S. and Texas constitutions and laws, while legislatures make laws.
- Said the Fourth Court of Appeals lacks authority to rule on legal matters reserved for trial judges.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Served a two-year mission for his church in Argentina.

Speaks frequently at schools across Texas.

- Served a two-year mission for his church in Argentina.
- Speaks frequently at schools across Texas.

Community Involvement

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Bert Richardson

- Has served as a Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, hearing criminal cases as a member of the state's highest criminal court since 2015.
- Served as an assistant district attorney for Bexar County from 1988 to 1999, prosecuting cases under state law.

From 2009-2014, he served as a Senior Visiting Judge in over 50 counties across the State. He was an adjunct professor at San Antonio College, St. Mary’s University School of Law for over 20 years prior to being elected to the TCCA, was previously the Court liaison to the State Bar and is a frequent speaker at State Bar conferences across the State. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and St. Mary's University School of Law, and he is Board Certified in Criminal Law.

Judge Bert Richardson

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I am an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I served a two year volunteer mission in Argentina at the age of nineteen. My faith believes in Jesus Christ and the values he taught in the scriptures.I attend church weekly and work in my church when time permits one night during the week in various capacities. I have been married for 35 years and have one son. My religious beliefs are an integral part of my life.

Voter Guide Profile for TX Judge, Court of Crim. Appeals, Place 3 candidate - Bert Richardson

Bert Richardson graduated from Brigham Young University and St. Mary's University School of Law. He is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He reported being married for 35 years and having one son.

Judge Bert Richardson was elected to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2014, and he began his term on January 1, 2015. He was reelected in 2020. From 1988 to 1999 he was a trial and appellate lawyer while serving as an Assistant District Attorney for Bexar County and as an Assistant U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas. He was appointed to the 379th District Court of Bexar County in 1999 by Gov. Bush.

Bert Richardson previously worked as a trial and appellate lawyer, including as an assistant district attorney for Bexar County and an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas. He was also an adjunct professor at San Antonio College and St. Mary's University School of Law.

Judge Bert Richardson was elected to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2014, and he began his term on January 1, 2015. He was reelected in 2020. From 1988 to 1999 he was a trial and appellate lawyer while serving as an Assistant District Attorney for Bexar County and as an Assistant U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.

From 1988 to 1999 he was a trial and appellate lawyer while serving as an Assistant District Attorney for Bexar County and as an Assistant U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas. He was appointed to the 379th District Court of Bexar County in 1999 by Gov. Bush. From 2009-2014, he served as a Senior Visiting Judge in over 50 counties across the State.

Bert was elected to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2014 and reelected in 2020. He was appointed to the 379th District Court of Bexar County in 1999.

Was elected to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2014 and reelected in 2020.

Served as a state district court judge after his 1999 appointment to Bexar County's 379th District Court.

Served as a senior visiting judge in more than 50 Texas counties from 2009 to 2014.

Worked as a trial and appellate lawyer while serving as an assistant district attorney and assistant U.S. attorney from 1988 to 1999.

- Was elected to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2014 and reelected in 2020.
- Served as a state district court judge after his 1999 appointment to Bexar County's 379th District Court.
- Served as a senior visiting judge in more than 50 Texas counties from 2009 to 2014.
- Worked as a trial and appellate lawyer while serving as an assistant district attorney and assistant U.S. attorney from 1988 to 1999.

Mental Health: Early intervention is critical in cases dealing with mental health issues, as such, trial courts are in a better position to assist the immediate needs of citizens in those cases. The Court of Criminal Appeals and Texas Supreme Court are part of a joint commission that provide training to professionals assisting those with mental illnesses.

Voters Guide | 2020 Primary Election Edition

Access to Justice: The TCCA oversees funding to train those organizations that represent indigent defendants. That is a starting point. However, in order to improve the system, both counties and the State must commit to providing the financial resources necessary to staff offices in counties with lawyers that have substantial experience in the criminal justice system. Putting defense lawyers on the same pay scale as prosecutors would encourage more to apply for those positions. Other opportunities from the legislature, such as passing procedural and discovery rules, as they accomplished in recent sessions would contribute to improving the system.

Other Issues: Post conviction writs (including actual innocence claims) constitute the largest number of cases the TCCA reviews. Given the changes in modern day science and technology that can be used in the courtroom, it is imperative that our court keep up with these changes and recognize those that can have both negative and positive impacts on cases before the TCCA.

Said early mental-health intervention is critical and trial courts are best positioned to address immediate needs.

Supports state and county resources for experienced indigent-defense lawyers, including pay comparable to prosecutors.

Said courts must keep up with scientific and technological changes affecting post-conviction writs, including actual-innocence claims.

- Said early mental-health intervention is critical and trial courts are best positioned to address immediate needs.
- Supports state and county resources for experienced indigent-defense lawyers, including pay comparable to prosecutors.
- Said courts must keep up with scientific and technological changes affecting post-conviction writs, including actual-innocence claims.

My job is to treat all cases before the 4th Court of Appeals with equal right.

The highest compliment ever offered about my tenure is that my Judicial opinions are clear, concise, and reflect a commonsense, conservative-minded approach to the law. I will bring that same level of service as Chief Justice of the 4th Court of Appeals, along with the wonderful justices already serving on the bench.

Home - Elect Judge Richardson - Chief Justice, 4th Court of Appeals

JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY

The U.S. Constitution and my state constitution should be interpreted as living documents, rather than using a strict constructionist or originalist approach in judicial decisions.

Strongly Disagree

JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY

There are times when American judges should alter U.S. case law in order to comply with foreign case law.

Strongly Disagree

What is the proper use of legislative history in interpreting statutory law?

I don't believe the legislative history should be used to interpret the law. Statutes should be interpreted literally. Having been involved in discussions on the legislative intent of a particular statute, and whether to include that intent in an opinion, there are just too many variables at play. As statutes make their way through the legislative process there are too many competing interests on and off the record discussions to accurately determine the legislative intent, other than the literal language of the statute. I am aware of published cases from my Court that allow for the use of it in limited circumstances.

What possibilities should a judge exhaust before departing from precedent?

In Ramos v. Louisiana the USSCT opinions pointed out several factors that have been considered in past opinions before departing from precedent, some of those include: 1) Does the current precedent work; 2) Is it inconsistent with other opinions since it was written; 3) Is it universally relied upon; 4) When the underlying precedent of the original opinion was not agreed upon by a majority of the justices. There are likely several other factors to consider that would be case specific.

Said cases before the 4th Court of Appeals should receive equal treatment.

Said his judicial opinions reflect a "commonsense, conservative-minded approach to the law" that he will bring to the court.

Opposes interpreting the U.S. and state constitutions as living documents instead of using strict construction or originalism.

Opposes altering U.S. case law to comply with foreign case law.

Believes statutes should be interpreted literally rather than through legislative history.

Said judges considering departure from precedent should assess its workability, consistency, reliance, and original majority support.

- Said cases before the 4th Court of Appeals should receive equal treatment.
- Said his judicial opinions reflect a "commonsense, conservative-minded approach to the law" that he will bring to the court.
- Opposes interpreting the U.S. and state constitutions as living documents instead of using strict construction or originalism.
- Opposes altering U.S. case law to comply with foreign case law.
- Believes statutes should be interpreted literally rather than through legislative history.
- Said judges considering departure from precedent should assess its workability, consistency, reliance, and original majority support.

Volunteered for a two-year mission in Argentina for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Volunteers in various capacities with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

- Volunteered for a two-year mission in Argentina for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Volunteers in various capacities with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bert is a judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, where he has served since 2015. He previously worked as a trial and appellate lawyer, an assistant district attorney for Bexar County, and an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas.

TJB | CCA | About the Court | Judges

Bert is currently a judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. He was first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2020. From 1988 to 1999, he was a trial and appellate lawyer while serving as an Assistant District Attorney for Bexar County and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.

As an assistant U.S. attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal federal cases under public law, conducted grand jury hearings, presented federal criminal cases to the jury in U.S. District Court, and sought federal indictments and convictions.

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- In Texas, appeals from district and county courts, except death penalty cases, go to one of 14 intermediate courts of appeal.
- The chief justice presides over court meetings, manages the court's administration, and has the authority to assign justices or judges to specific cases.
- Justices are elected in partisan elections for six-year terms.
- The yearly salary for a Court of Appeals justice in Texas is between $192,500 and $255,050 based on the total number of years they have served, plus an additional bonus of $13,475 for Chief Justice duties.

Oversees a court that handles appeals of lower trial court decisions.