County Judge Swears In New Precinct 1-2 Justice Of The Peace, Maggie Hernandez Moreno

Hays County, TX – County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., swore in new Justice of the Peace 1-2 Judge Maggie Hernandez Moreno, on Monday, October 3.

Moreno was appointed to take office October 1 since she had no opponents in the November election, as allowed by state law.

Her mother, Margie Hernandez, was Justice of the Peace in the same court from 2003 until her passing in 2015, and following the ceremony Judge Moreno was helped into the same justice robe her mother wore.

Judge Moreno thanked the many friends and family members who came to the ceremony, saying it was an honor for her to follow her mother’s path.

The Justice of the Peace performs the functions of a magistrate and conducts inquests. Justices are required to set bonds and conditions as well as perform additional magistrate duties.

A Justice of the Peace may issue warrants for search and arrest, conduct preliminary hearings, administer oaths, perform marriages, and must serve as coroner in counties where there is no provision for a medical examiner.

The Justice Court also functions as a small claims court in civil matters in which exclusive jurisdiction is not in District or County Court and the amount of controversy does not exceed $10,000. The Court can also deal with matters concerning foreclosure of mortgages and enforcement of liens on personal property.

Judge Moreno’s office is in the Hays County Government Center, 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos.