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Residents tell El Paso commissioners they fear unfair treatment in Justice of the Peace court
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the court to address perceived unfairness in a Justice of the Peace precinct and called for impartial judges and clearer processes; county staff agreed to follow up with individual speakers.
Two residents used the public‑comment period on Feb. 19 to describe personal experiences with Justice of the Peace court processes and ask the Commissioners Court to ensure impartial proceedings and clearer access to remedies.
Ana Olguin (identified herself as a county resident and a full‑time working mother) described ongoing uncertainty in a Justice of the Peace precinct 6, place 1 case, saying she had filed an answer and a motion requesting recusal and that she now wants an impartial judge and clarity about upcoming status hearings. The judge asked county staff to meet with Olguin after her comment to learn more about her request.
Vincent Jemison, who identified himself as a combat veteran, said he had previously been told in the same justice court to “take the hit” and pay a fine instead of pursuing constitutional process. Jemison said that type of advice discourages people from exercising their rights and undermines public confidence in local courts.
The court responded by asking staff to meet privately with the speakers and to follow up on the concerns raised. No formal court action or changes to court policy were made during the meeting; county staff indicated they would meet separately with the individuals who spoke.
Because the commenters described specific local court experiences rather than a proposed change in county policy, the court framed next steps as case‑specific follow up rather than an immediate systemwide review.
