El Paso County Judges serve as the backbone of local judicial and administrative operations across two distinct jurisdictions: El Paso County, Texas, and El Paso County, Colorado. These judges manage everything from felony trials and civil disputes to probate cases, family law, and county-level policy oversight. Whether you’re a resident seeking court records, a legal professional scheduling hearings, or a researcher studying judicial structures, this page delivers verified, up-to-date information on every presiding judge, their court assignments, contact details, and support services. All data reflects official sources accessed in 2024, ensuring accuracy and compliance with current Texas and Colorado judicial standards.
El Paso County, Texas – Judicial Structure and Key Leadership
The Texas-based El Paso County judicial system operates under a hybrid model where elected district judges handle major criminal and civil cases, while county courts at law manage misdemeanors, small claims, probate, and family matters. At the administrative helm is County Judge Ricardo A. Samaniego, who has led since 2020. His office coordinates budget planning, infrastructure development, emergency response protocols, and intergovernmental relations. The main administrative hub sits at 500 East San Antonio Avenue, Suite 301, El Paso, TX 79901. Residents can reach the office by phone at (915) 546-2098, fax at (915) 543-3888, or through encrypted email via the official portal.
Senior staff supporting Judge Samaniego include Nicholette Ruiz, Senior Policy Advisor responsible for legislative analysis and state-level coordination; Erica Perales, Executive Administrative Coordinator managing workflow, procurement, and public records; and Christabelle Guzman, Community Outreach Officer organizing quarterly town halls and stakeholder forums. This team ensures transparent governance and direct citizen engagement. Additionally, the El Paso County Council of Judges—comprising all district, county-at-law, and probate judges—meets monthly to set policies on case assignment, technology upgrades, and judicial training.
Presiding Judges in El Paso County, Texas District Courts
District courts in El Paso County, Texas, handle high-stakes litigation including felonies, major civil suits, and complex family law cases. Judge Jose M. Gonzalez presides over the 210th District Court, focusing on felony and misdemeanor criminal matters since his appointment in 2021. The 65th District Court is led by Judge Julie Gonzalez, who oversees high-value civil litigation such as contract disputes and personal injury claims. She has served since 2019 and maintains an active docket with strict scheduling protocols.
Other key district judges include Judge Yahara Lisa Gutierrez of the 171st District Court, specializing in drug-related offenses and juvenile delinquency cases. Her court employs specialized diversion programs and collaborates with social services for rehabilitation-focused sentencing. All district court filings are processed through the central clerk’s office at (915) 546-8192, with docket management handled by Court Coordinator Grace Herrera. Official transcripts are provided by Court Reporter Evangelina (Angie) Morales, ensuring real-time documentation for appeals and legal review.
County Courts at Law and Specialized Judicial Roles
El Paso County operates several County Courts at Law that handle restricted civil actions, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and family law motions. Judge Alejandro Gonzalez leads Court of Law No. 2, adjudicating cases involving property disputes and contractual disagreements under $200,000. Judge Phyllis Martinez Gonzalez presides over Court of Law No. 4, focusing on small claims under $20,000 and emergency family law petitions such as temporary restraining orders.
Specialized courts include Child Support Court No. 2, overseen by Judge Yvonne R. Guaderrama. She enforces child support orders, conducts modification hearings, and coordinates with the Texas Attorney General’s office for interstate enforcement. This court also offers mediation workshops through the Family Law Center, helping parents reach amicable agreements without prolonged litigation. The Victim Assistance Unit, located within the same complex, provides restitution services, crisis counseling, and court accompaniment for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
El Paso County, Colorado – Magistrate and District Court System
In contrast, El Paso County, Colorado, operates under the 4th Judicial District, which consolidates district and county court functions. Magistrates Gail Warkentin (Division Y) and Shawn Witkus (Division N) handle preliminary hearings, civil petitions, small claims, and probate matters. Magistrate Warkentin, serving since 2018, focuses on civil cases and misdemeanor arraignments, reachable at (719) 452-5415. Magistrate Witkus holds dual authority, presiding over both district-level civil litigation and county-level probate filings, with contact at (719) 452-5201.
The 4th Judicial District Court, based at 270 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, manages felony criminal cases, civil suits exceeding $15,000, and family law proceedings. General inquiries go to the district clerk at (719) 452-5000. Clerk of Court Lynette D. Cornelius oversees docket management, record preservation, and public access to case files. The court also supports electronic filing through the Colorado Judicial Branch’s e-filing portal, streamlining document submission for attorneys and self-represented litigants.
Council of Judges and Administrative Governance
The El Paso County Council of Judges in Texas serves as the governing body for judicial administration. Established under the Texas Government Code, it includes all district court judges, county courts at law judges, and the probate judge. The Council meets monthly at the courthouse annex to review performance metrics, approve budget proposals, and coordinate inter-agency initiatives. Its public portal at Suite 101, 500 East San Antonio Avenue, offers a Jury Information hub with eligibility rules, scheduling tools, and compensation details.
This Council also administers the Mother-Friendly Worksite Program, providing childcare support and flexible scheduling for court employees. It maintains direct links to the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Judicial Branch, and the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, ensuring accountability and ethical compliance. Public meetings are open to residents, and agendas are posted 72 hours in advance on the official website.
Public Access, Records, and Support Services
Residents can request case files, land records, and budget reports at the Office of the County Judge in Suite 301 or through the online public-access portal. The court directory lists all departments with dedicated phone lines, fax numbers, and protected email addresses to safeguard sensitive information. For example, Criminal District Court No. 1 operates from Room 469 at 500 East San Antonio Avenue, reachable at (915) 546-2000, extension 3544. Bailiff Ruben Garcia ensures courtroom security and assists with jury logistics.
The courts emphasize accessibility through self-help kiosks, online docket lookup, and multilingual resources. The Family Law Center offers free mediation workshops, legal education seminars, and forms assistance for divorce, custody, and adoption cases. The Victim Assistance Unit provides trauma-informed support, including safety planning, emergency shelter referrals, and court advocacy. All services are free and confidential.
Technology, Transparency, and Community Engagement
El Paso County Courts prioritize transparency through real-time performance dashboards that track response times, budget utilization, and citizen satisfaction. The official website publishes annual reports, meeting minutes, and policy updates. Judge Samaniego’s administration launched a public comment portal where residents can submit policy suggestions or request meetings with senior staff. Quarterly town halls, coordinated by Christabelle Guzman, allow direct dialogue between judges, staff, and the community.
In Colorado, the Judicial Branch portal provides marriage licenses, civil union registrations, and public notices for service-by-publication. The system supports electronic filing, virtual hearings, and online payment of fines. Both jurisdictions comply with state open records laws, ensuring timely responses to public information requests. Protected email systems are used for all official correspondence to maintain data security.
Contact Information and Official Resources
For El Paso County, Texas:
- Office of the County Judge: 500 East San Antonio Avenue, Suite 301, El Paso, TX 79901
- Phone: (915) 546-2098 | Fax: (915) 543-3888
- Council of Judges: Suite 101, same address | Phone: (915) 546-2143
- Central Clerk’s Office: (915) 546-8192 | Fax: (915) 546-8103
For El Paso County, Colorado:
- Judicial Building: 270 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- District Clerk: (719) 452-5000 | Magistrate Division Y: (719) 452-5415
- Magistrate Division N: (719) 452-5201
Frequently Asked Questions
Residents often have specific questions about judicial roles, court procedures, and access to services. Below are detailed answers based on official policies and current practices in both El Paso County jurisdictions.
How do I find out which judge is assigned to my case in El Paso County, Texas?
To determine your assigned judge, contact the central clerk’s office at (915) 546-8192 or visit the public docket portal on the El Paso County Courts website. You’ll need your case number, full name, and date of filing. The system displays the presiding judge, courtroom number, and next hearing date. For criminal cases, check with the District Attorney’s office. Civil and family law cases are managed through the County Courts at Law directory. All information is updated in real time and accessible during business hours.
Can I attend a hearing or meeting of the El Paso County Council of Judges?
Yes, all Council of Judges meetings are open to the public. They occur monthly at the courthouse annex, typically on the second Tuesday at 9:00 AM. Agendas are posted 72 hours in advance on the official website. Attendees must check in at Suite 101 and may speak during the public comment period. Minutes are published within ten days. The Council discusses caseflow management, budget priorities, and judicial training—not individual cases—to maintain impartiality.
What services does the Victim Assistance Unit provide in El Paso County, Texas?
The Victim Assistance Unit offers free, confidential support to survivors of crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide. Services include crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter referrals, court accompaniment, and restitution coordination. Staff help victims understand their rights under Texas law and navigate the criminal justice process. The unit operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and has a 24-hour hotline for emergencies. All interactions are protected by state confidentiality statutes.
How do I file a small claims case in El Paso County, Colorado?
Small claims in El Paso County, Colorado, are filed at the Judicial Building, 270 South Tejon Street, Room 101. Claims must be under $7,500. Complete the civil complaint form, pay the filing fee (waivers available for low-income residents), and serve the defendant according to state rules. Hearings are scheduled within 60 days. Magistrates preside over these cases, and self-represented litigants can use the self-help center for form assistance. Electronic filing is available through the Colorado Judicial Branch portal.
Are court records public in both Texas and Colorado El Paso Counties?
Yes, most court records are public under state open records laws. In Texas, visit the clerk’s office or use the online docket search. In Colorado, records are accessible via the Judicial Branch website or in person at the clerk’s counter. Exceptions include juvenile cases, sealed records, and sensitive personal information. Requestors may need to provide identification and pay copying fees. Both counties respond to records requests within 10 business days as required by law.
What is the role of a magistrate in El Paso County, Colorado?
Magistrates in Colorado handle preliminary matters such as civil petitions, small claims, probate filings, and misdemeanor arraignments. They can issue warrants, set bail, and approve settlements. Unlike judges, magistrates are appointed, not elected, and their decisions can be appealed to a district judge. In El Paso County, Magistrates Warkentin and Witkus serve in Divisions Y and N, respectively, and use protected email for secure communication. Their authority is defined by Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13.
How can I contact a judge or court staff without violating ethics rules?
Never contact a judge directly about a pending case—this is prohibited. Instead, use official channels: call the clerk’s office, submit a written request through the court coordinator, or use the protected email system listed on the court website. For general questions, staff like Grace Herrera (Court Coordinator) or Christabelle Guzman (Outreach Officer) can assist. All communications are logged and reviewed to ensure compliance with judicial ethics. Ex parte contact may result in sanctions.