NPT Voter Guide 2008

District Court Questions

Biography

Name: Jesus M. Olivas

Age: 51

Occupation: Attorney

Website: None

Residence West Side:

Relevant Experience (for print, will be edited 100 words max):

After graduating from law school at the University of Notre Dame, in 1991, I have served this community in both the private and public sector. My first job, was with the City of El Paso as an Assistant City Attorney. Following that, I prosecuted felony cases as an Assistant District Attorney under Jaime Esparza. I left the District Attorney’s office to be come legal counsel for the County Judge Alicia Chacon. While in private practice, my practice includes: criminal, civil, family and probate work. I have extensive trial experience. I have also served as a hearing officer for the El Paso Housing Authority and the Civil Service Commission for the City of El Paso. I am also a current member of the El Paso Airport Board.

I am married, 23 years, with two children. We attend Harvest Christian Center.

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Issues (for print, will be edited to 200 words or less)

1. What is the most important issue facing the court?

Judges, who have been there too long and get too comfortable. They loose sight of the fact that they are, first and foremost public servants.

2. Is the local system of oversight sufficient to protect the public from unfair judges? If so, why, and if not, how would you change it?

No, there needs to be more transparency. Council of Judge’s meetings should be open to the public.

3. What experience do you have with the law that will make you a good judge?

I have been practicing law since 1991, both in the public and private sector.

4. How do District Courts differ from County Courts?

The main difference is in the “level” of type of cases they handle. Basically, in the criminal area misdemeanors cases, those with a sentence of no more than one year and a fine not to exceed $4000.00 go to the County Courts. Crimes with a possible sentence of over a year and a maximum $10,000.00 fine are handled in District Courts. Similarly, with civil cases, the amount of money being sued for determines which Court handles the matter.

5. What is your position on the trend at the state level to either consolidate the county and district courts or to allow them to hear similar cases?

I am all for it. However, first we need to explore why we have had a huge increase in new courts and extra judges, but not the cases are not moving any faster?

6. In El Paso, it seems like lawyers and judges know each other, something perhaps similar to most communities. What are some of the situations under which you think a judge ought to recuse themselves? Are the rules clear enough and if not, how would you change them?

Fortunately, current rules are clear enough, so that a judge should know when to recuse herself/himself.

7. Is there fair access to justice for everyone? How would you improve access; specifically, how would you support public defenders?

Of Course not. Unfortunately, a persons financial situation seems to be a determining factor on the type of representation one gets. I do support the public defender’s office and feel that there work is vital. Specifically, I would support additional resources for the office. Whether it be additional staff and lawyers, additional equipment and office space.