Every County Court at Law in Fort Bend County is a general jurisdiction court. Each court handles adult misdemeanor matters, juvenile matters, civil litigation matters, probate and guardianship matters, condemnation proceedings, civil mental health commitments, and Justice of the Peace appeals. In addition to handling these matters, County Court at Law No. 1 also has a specialty court titled the Misdemeanor Mental Health Court.
The Misdemeanor Mental Health Court is a state sponsored specialty court designed to reduce recidivism rates among defendants suffering from mental health disorders. The Court provides defendants suffering from mental health disorders with the resources and support they need to become productive citizens and potentially end a cycle of criminality.
Prior to taking the bench in 2015, Judge Morales had a diverse legal background. He began his career as a prosecutor with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, prosecuting misdemeanor and juvenile crimes. After he left the District Attorney’s Office, he joined the regional firm of Roberts Markel Weinberg, where he practiced in their real estate transactions division and HOA litigation division. Upon leaving Roberts Markel Weinberg, Judge Morales opened The Morales Law Firm, PLLC. His practice areas focused on commercial litigation, real estate law, probate and guardianship law, juvenile law and criminal defense. Judge Morales helped represent hundreds of Fort Bend County residents through some of their most difficult times. In 2014 Judge Morales decided to run for Judge of County Court at Law No. 1. His passion for helping people would extend to the entire community, not just his clients.
Judge Morales helped start the GED Graduation Program within the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department. Judge Morales MC’s the event each year and has been an integral part in ensuring our juveniles receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work and accomplishments.
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 licensed attorney who has practiced law for 4 years.
Judge Morales has served as your Judge of County Court at Law No. 1 since 2015 and is currently in his 8thyear of office. His term ends on December 31, 2022, but with your help, Judge Morales will continue to serve his community for another 4 years.
