Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Cases does County Court at Law No. 1 Handle?
In Fort Bend County, each County Court at Law operates as a court of general jurisdiction, meaning it handles a broad range of legal matters essential to the community. These include adult misdemeanor criminal cases, juvenile cases, civil litigation cases, probate and guardianship cases, condemnation proceedings, civil mental health commitments, and appeals from Justice of the Peace courts.
County Court at Law No. 1 carries all these responsibilities while also serving a unique role: it is home to Fort Bend County’s only Misdemeanor Mental Health Court, a specialized program focused on addressing the underlying mental health needs of certain criminal defendants to improve individual outcomes, reduce recidivism rates, and enhance public safety.
What is the Misdemeanor Mental Health Court?
The Misdemeanor Mental Health Court is a state-authorized specialty court specifically established to reduce recidivism among individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders. Through structured supervision, treatment coordination, and judicial oversight, the court connects participants with the resources and support necessary to address underlying mental health needs. The program’s ultimate goal is to promote long-term stability, help participants reintegrate as productive members of the community, and break the cycle of repeated criminal behavior.
What is Judge Morales’ Background in the Law?
Before taking the bench in 2015, Judge Chris Morales built a well-rounded legal career that uniquely prepared him to serve the people of Fort Bend County. He began as a prosecutor with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, handling misdemeanor and juvenile cases, gaining firsthand experience in criminal law and public service. He then joined the regional law firm Roberts Markel Weinberg, where his practice areas included real estate transactions, homeowners’ association litigation, and commercial litigation, expanding his expertise in civil matters.
Driven by a desire to serve his community more directly, Judge Morales founded The Morales Law Firm, PLLC, where he represented hundreds of Fort Bend County residents in areas including commercial litigation, real estate law, probate and guardianship, juvenile law, and criminal defense. Through that work, he guided clients through some of their most challenging legal situations with integrity and dedication.
In 2014, Judge Morales chose to extend his service beyond individual clients by running for Judge of County Court at Law No. 1. His motivation was simple: to ensure fair, efficient, and compassionate justice for the entire community he calls home.
How has Judge Morales Worked Closely with the Juvenile Probation Department?
Judge Morales played a key role in establishing the GED Graduation Program within the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department, a program designed to celebrate justice-involved youth’s educational accomplishments. Recognizing that education is critical to reducing recidivism and opening doors to opportunity, Judge Morales has remained personally involved in the program’s success. Each year, he proudly serves as the master of ceremonies for the graduation ceremony, ensuring that these young men and women receive meaningful recognition for their hard work and perseverance. His commitment to the program reflects a broader dedication to helping juveniles in Fort Bend County move forward with purpose, opportunity, and a path toward a brighter future.
What Qualifications do You Need to Become a County Court at Law Judge?
To become a County Court at Law judge in the State of Texas, you must be a U.S. citizen, be 25 years of age or older, a resident in the county for the past 2 years, and be a licensed attorney who has practiced law for 4 years.
How Long has Judge Morales been a Judge?
Judge Chris Morales has proudly served Fort Bend County as Judge of County Court at Law No. 1 since 2015 and is now in his third term, earning the community’s trust through experience, fairness, and steady leadership. His current term runs through December 31, 2026, but with your support, Judge Morales stands ready to continue serving Fort Bend County for another four years, ensuring our courts remain efficient, accessible, and committed to justice for all. Your vote is not just for a judge; it’s for proven leadership that puts the people of Fort Bend County first.
Public Safety is Priority Number 1!
As someone who has proudly called Fort Bend County home for over 30 years, I believe we have a responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of every family in our community. That’s why I am committed to ensuring our bail laws are applied properly and fairly, holding offenders accountable while keeping dangerous individuals off our streets.
We live next to a county facing one of the highest murder rates in the nation. I refuse to allow Fort Bend County to follow that path. As your judge, I will work tirelessly within the bounds of the law to make sure our magistrate judges are following bail laws as they were intended, protecting both individual rights and public safety.
For me, this isn’t just policy — it’s personal. My children are growing up here, just like yours. I want Fort Bend County to remain a safe, strong, and secure place for all of our families.
I Will Continue to Reduce Operational Costs Through Technology!
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced many courts across Texas to shut down, Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 1 never stopped serving the community. Long before the pandemic, I prioritized implementing remote hearing technology because I believe in using innovation to make our courts more efficient, accessible, and cost-effective. As a result, I was the first judge in Fort Bend County to conduct a fully remote video conference hearing. During the height of COVID-19, my court held 345 Zoom hearings, more than any other court in the county.
This proactive approach didn’t just keep justice moving; it saved taxpayer dollars by reducing transportation, security, and facility costs associated with in-person proceedings. Even today, the remote hearings conducted by the County Court at Law No. 1 continue to provide both convenience and significant savings for the public and litigants. That’s the kind of foresight and responsible leadership I believe Fort Bend County deserves.
Experience on the Bench Makes a Difference!
When I was elected in 2014, I came to the bench with hands-on experience in every area of law practiced in the County Courts at Law. My Fort Bend County law practice was built around this court’s jurisdiction, and I had the privilege of serving as attorney ad litem for every judge in our county at the time. My work spanned criminal law, juvenile law, probate and guardianship, civil litigation, eminent domain, and mental health law, giving me a well-rounded foundation that directly prepared me to serve as judge from day one.
Since taking the bench, I have dedicated myself not only to ensuring justice in County Court at Law No. 1 but also to strengthening the legal profession through education and leadership. I speak regularly at continuing legal education conferences on probate and guardianship, juvenile law, and mental health law, helping practicing attorneys stay informed and effective. I firmly believe that knowledge should be shared, which is why I also teach trial advocacy as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center, preparing the next generation of lawyers to serve with skill and integrity.
In addition to my judicial duties, I have served as Administrative Judge for the County Courts at Law and have led multiple committees at both the county level and within the State Bar of Texas. My experience isn’t theoretical; it’s rooted in real-world practice, courtroom leadership, and a deep commitment to serving the people of Fort Bend County with fairness, expertise, and accountability.