Judge Erika Ramirez made history in 2023 as the first Latina and woman elected to Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 8. As she seeks reelection, her unique approach to justice continues breaking barriers while building bridges in the community.
“I’m reminded with every accomplishment that I have, there have been numerous Latinos and Latinas who have put in the work, the blood, sweat, and tears for me to be able to get to the spot. I’m incredibly grateful to them,” Judge Ramirez reflects on her groundbreaking role in an exclusive interview with Que Onda Magazine.
From Social Work to the Bench
Judge Ramirez’s path wasn’t traditional. Raised by two social workers, she grew up hearing stories of public service and advocacy. Her parents’ dedication inspired her career path, leading her to work as a caseworker assistant in the district attorney’s domestic violence division.
“I saw some amazing attorneys. I saw amazing advocacy. I saw passion, folks who cared. That was it, the folks who cared. And it lit a fire in me,” she recalls. That fire led her to law school and eventually to the judiciary.
Creating a Respectful Courtroom
Serving Harris County’s 4.5 million residents across cases involving DWI, assault, theft, and other misdemeanors, Judge Ramirez has witnessed first-time offenders crying in her courtroom. She understands their fear.
“If you come into the Criminal Court system, especially if you come into Criminal Court at law #8, you are going to be respected in this process. I don’t care who you are. What alleged crime has been committed? Everyone deserves to be respected and be given a fair process,” she emphasizes.
Her approach focuses on constitutional rights and human dignity. “We all make mistakes. We want you to feel comfortable with coming through this process. If it’s being taken accountability, moving on and doing better, that’s what we want.”
The Power of Representation
As the first Latina judge in her position, Judge Ramirez carries the weight of representation. She recalls her law school experience: “I had a classmate whose grandfather’s portrait was on the wall, and I knew he belonged there because his grandpa was an attorney. His dad was an attorney, but who was I?”
The journey to belonging took time. “But I learned and I grew, but I did belong there and I had an impact to make.” Now, she hopes her presence inspires others: “I really hope that folks who see me think they can do it, and then I want them to surpass me. I really do. Because we all belong at the table.”
A Legacy of Resilience
Judge Ramirez’s commitment to dignity stems from deeply personal experiences. Her father was diagnosed with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) at age 19 and sent to live in Carville, Louisiana, separated from his family of 12 siblings.
“Keep in mind a small town 19 year old being sent to live in a different state with no family,” she describes. “Without due process, right. There was no cure at the time, so he had to endure experimental medications.”
Rather than becoming bitter, her parents transformed struggle into advocacy. Her father became a global advocate and licensed social worker. “They turned something that could have been anger into advocacy,” Judge Ramirez explains. “That struggle that my parents have been through… he still came out with love.”
Innovative Approaches
Since taking office, Judge Ramirez has reduced case backlogs, handled the most misdemeanor trials among all 16 courts, and been elected by colleagues to leadership as presiding judge.
Her approach to youthful offenders stands out. She personally follows up with young probationers through Zoom calls. She’s helped secure housing for one probationer and celebrated another’s GED completion. “For him to get that GED is… a piece of paper that can open up a lot of doors.”
Building Upon a SuccessfulTerm
Judge Ramirez’s reelection campaign focuses on expanding specialized justice programs. Her primary goal is helping Harris County create a specialty domestic violence court.
“Domestic violence impacts every single one of us,” she emphasizes, noting that “if a woman is murdered, it’s most likely done by the intimate partner.”
She also addresses Harris County’s DWI crisis, learning that “Texas accounts for 1/3 of the DWI fatalities in the entire nation.” While offenders “never had the intent to hurt anybody,” the reality is “you can kill a family.”
A Call to Unity and Action
Judge Ramirez’s message to the Latino community emphasizes unity: “We need to support each other… And if we support each other? We would be unstoppable.”
Her call extends to voting, inspired by the Hernandez v. Texas Supreme Court decision that fought systematic exclusion of Mexican Americans from jury service. “These people fought for us. And we owe it to them… to vote,” she urges. “Your voice is one voice. It matters. Every single voice matters.”
Judge Ramirez’s judicial philosophy is clear: “I think my approach is to be open minded… I’m willing to listen. Sometimes folks just want to be heard… I’m going to treat you fairly.”
As she seeks reelection, Judge Erika Ramirez continues ensuring Harris County’s criminal justice system serves everyone with dignity and fairness. “Everyone deserves to be respected and be given a fair process,” she concludes. “We all deserve that.”
For more on leaders of Houston’s Latino community like Judge Ramirez, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.