Judge Michelle Merendino will leave the bench of the 75th State District Court before the end of her appointed term, with her final day in office scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7, according to information confirmed to Bluebonnet News.
Although Merendino has not personally notified Bluebonnet News of her decision, the Texas Governor’s Office has already begun the process of filling the vacancy.
Judge-elect James “J.D.” Chandler, who won the Republican primary and is unopposed in the November general election, told Bluebonnet News Friday afternoon, July 31, that he was contacted by the Governor’s Office regarding the impending vacancy.
“They sent me an email that said, ‘I understand you won the Republican primary and that seat is being vacated. Is there anyone running against you in November?'” Chandler said.
Chandler said he responded that he has no opponent in the general election.
The notification came as a surprise, he said, because he had expected to have several more months before taking office.
“I’m still in the process of winding down my law practice,” Chandler said. “I thought I had a few more months to prepare.”
At this time, Bluebonnet News has no information regarding what prompted Merendino’s decision to leave office early.
Bluebonnet News also spoke with Judge Robert Trapp, presiding judge of Texas’ Second Administrative Judicial Region, who said he also had not yet been notified of Merendino’s decision when contacted Friday, July 31.
Trapp explained that when a district court bench becomes vacant, his office typically appoints visiting judges to preside over court proceedings until the governor names a replacement.
“We’ll fill in for court dates,” Trapp said. “We’ll just appoint a visiting judge who will come in.”
He said the governor has the authority to appoint a replacement at any time after the vacancy occurs.
“In most instances like this, the person who won the bench would take office after the first of the year,” Trapp said. “Most of the time, they’re going to turn around and appoint the person who’s going to be winning in November.”
Trapp noted that the appointment process requires the prospective appointee to submit an application through the Governor’s Appointments Office, where it is reviewed before the governor makes a decision.
“The person has to fill out an application at the Governor’s Appointments Office for the appointment,” Trapp said. “They review it. It’s a fairly quick turnaround.”
Bluebonnet News also contacted the 75th State District Court office in the Liberty County Courthouse in an attempt to reach Judge Merendino. However, court staff said they had not yet been notified of Merendino’s decision at the time of the call. Later in the day, Bluebonnet News contacted another member of the court staff, who said they had just been informed by Merendino.
Has there been an actual trial that she has presided over since being appointed judge? If so, how many? Civil? Criminal?
It seems like all cases are being settled without going to trial.