(Sponsored content)
Comal County Magistrate Judge Susie Patterson, running for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 in the March 3 Republican Primary, wants voters to know that if elected to office she’ll be doing a lot more than marrying people or declaring someone dead if a coroner is unavailable.
Her job as an experienced judge overseeing the justice of the peace court is to help constituents resolve civil disputes within the legal-proceeding laws in cases of up to $20,000 in a court proceeding that does not require representation by an attorney, thereby saving money.
Although disputes can have six-person jury trials, anyone who is not pleased with the conclusion can appeal the case “Denovo” at the next level such as county court-at-law.
The justice of the peace court has jurisdiction over civil small claims, landlord-tenant and eviction suits. Criminal cases involve Class C misdemeanors punishable by up to a $500 fine, such as public intoxication and speeding.
“As the saying goes, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected,'” Patterson said.
She wants to streamline and make Justice of the Peace Court 1 the best in the county.
“I love serving Comal County and I think being a justice of the peace at the base level, where I can help people work out their problems without the expense and entanglement of the formal legal system, is extremely important,” she said.
As a truly grassroots candidate for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Patterson promises to listen carefully to every person who comes before the court, apply the law fairly without bias or favoritism, run an efficient court that respects residents’ time and resolves matters promptly, serve with integrity, uphold the highest ethical standards, and stay connected to the community she serves.
Patterson was appointed as a magistrate judge by 22nd Judicial District Judge Bruce Boyer in March 2024, handling initial criminal proceedings by reviewing probable cause for arrests, informing defendants of their rights, setting bail or bonds, issuing emergency protective orders and appointing counsel.
While raising a family in New Braunfels, Patterson was elected and served two terms as county treasurer from 2003-2010, managing budgets exceeding $35 million with transparency and accountability.
She is a certified investment officer.
Patterson previously worked as Boerne city attorney and Boerne municipal prosecutor; prosecuted felony cases in the 216th Judicial District (Kerrville, Boerne, Fredericksburg and Bandera); and worked as a special narcotics prosecutor and 216th-only assistant district attorney prosecuting hundreds of criminal trials, conducting grand jury proceedings and pre-trial motion hearings, and writing her own appellate briefs.
A 1987 graduate of St Mary’s University School of Law, Patterson is civic-minded as a member of NB Women GO, former president of the New Braunfels Noon Lions, president of PTAs at her children’s schools, a member of the New Braunfels Rotary Club and president of Hondo Rotary.
She is an active member of Oakwood Church.
Patterson shows up for her neighbors.
“I would be honored to earn your vote. I will serve our community with fairness, integrity and respect for the law. Justice should work for everyone. It’s not just about knowing the law — it’s about serving the people with fairness, compassion and common sense.”
Precinct 1 extends from New Braunfels inside Loop 337 along Kerlick into Mission Hills and down Fredericksburg Street and south of Seele Elementary School; along the northside of Highway 46, including Veramendi, Vintage Oaks, Meyer Ranch, River Crossing and Windmill Estates; then up to south Canyon Lake and into Bulverde and Spring Branch.
“We need your help today reaching people with Precinct 1 with my qualifications for Justice of the Peace, so please forward this information on social media to anyone voting in Precinct 1,” she said.
For more information visit SelectSusanJP1.com.
This is a paid political ad by Susan L. Patterson for JP1.