COUNTY JUDGE

The County Judge is the presiding officer and a voting member of the commissioners court and constitutional county court. Actual judicial responsibilities of county judges vary among counties because statutory county courts at law exist with overlapping jurisdiction in many counties. In a few counties, portions of usual county court jurisdiction have been assigned to district courts. In many major metropolitan areas, the job of the county judge is primarily administrative rather than judicial in nature.  In the role of presiding officer of the commissioner’s court, the county judge oversees all county government departments through the court's responsibility for approving annual budgets for the entire county.  Generally, county courts have jurisdiction in civil cases when the amount in controversy is at least $200 but not over $10,000. County courts also have jurisdiction in probate matters, appellate (from justice of the peace courts) jurisdiction over Class C misdemeanors, and original jurisdiction in Class A and B misdemeanors.  Constitutional county judges have original jurisdiction in probate matters, including mental illness and guardianships. The county judge may act as juvenile judge and serve on the county juvenile board, as well as conduct marriages and act as a coroner, when necessary. A county judge is not required to be an attorney, but the county judge "shall be well-informed in the law of the state."

• Empowered by the Constitution as the County’s Chief Executive officer.

• The presiding officer of the Commissioners Court including publishing meeting notices and prohibiting illegal closed meetings.

• Administrative duties primarily relate to carrying out the court orders passed by the Commissioners Court, signing all contracts, and overseeing all non-elected department heads.

• Fort Bend County liaison between State, Federal, City and other County Governments.

• Actively participates in both public and private sector economic development.

• Director of Emergency Management and oversees civil defense and disaster relief for the county residents.

• Serves on the County Bail Bond Board, Purchasing Board, the Juvenile Board and the County Elections Commission.

• As a voting member of the Commissioners Court performs many of the same duties and responsibilities as a County Commissioner.

• Sets and receives bonds or sureties for certain county officials and other appointments by Commissioners Court.

• Refuses or issues Court Ordered Delayed Birth Certificates and Death Certificates.

• Other than the largely administrative duties listed above, all judicial duties of the County Judge are vested in the six County Courts- at- Law maintained by Fort Bend County.