Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 436th District Court?
The 436th District Court is a juvenile law court. We deal with juvenile offenders from the age of 10 to the age of 17 who have been accused of violations of the Texas Penal Code.
2. Can the Court handle adult matters, including divorce?
Though the Court has the same jurisdiction as any other District Court and could handle adult matters, the Court is designated as a juvenile law court and focuses only on juvenile offenders from the age of 10 to the age of 17.
3. When is the Court in session?
The main docket in the Court is called on Monday at 8:30 am. At that time, parties confer and either stipulate (plead) or reset their case for stipulation or trial. Additional dockets are called Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 am, as the case load dictates. Trials normally begin on Tuesday mornings, with contested motions being heard the day before. Detention hearings are held at 9:30 am Monday through Friday.
4. Can anyone come to Court?
Yes. The public, regardless of age, is always invited and encouraged to visit the Court. My doors are always open during normal business hours. If you would like meet with me, please call my court coordinator, Jesse Alvarez, at 335-1194 to schedule an appointment.
5. Are you available to speak to schools and civic organization about the juvenile law system?
Yes, subject to my duties as a judge. If you would like for me to speak to your group, please email my private email at LisaJarrett436@aol.com.
6. Are you an elected judge or an appointed judge?
All State District Court Judges in Texas are elected officials. The 436th District Court was created by the legislature in 2009 to assist with Bexar County’s juvenile offenders. I was appointed in September of 2009 as the first judge of that Court. I took the bench on October 1, 2009. In the general election of 2010, the voters of Bexar County elected me as Judge of the 436th District Court. In 2014, I was reelected to that position.
7. What is a primary election?
A primary election is an election in which voters in Bexar County select the candidates who will meet in the general election. You can only vote in one primary, either as a Republican or as a Democrat.
8. What is a general election?
In a general election the public elects the individual who will take office. In contested races, there may be a Republican, a Democrat, a Libertarian, an Independent and/or a Write-In. You can vote for any candidate you choose. You are not required to vote for the same person you voted for in the primary. You are also not required to vote straight ticket, all Republican or all Democrat. You can pick and choose between the candidates based on their qualifications.
9. Who can vote in your election?
Every registered voter in Bexar County, Texas is eligible to vote.
10. How do I become a registered voter?
To become a registered voter in Bexar County, complete a voter registration card from the Texas Secretary of State Website. Print, sign and mail the form to:
- Voters Registration Office
- 203 W. Nueva, Suite 361
- San Antonio, Texas 78207
You can also call the Voters Registration office at 210-335-VOTE and request a voter registration application be sent to you. Regardless of the option you choose, fill out the application and mail or deliver it to the address above. The application must be postmarked 30 days before an election for you to be eligible to vote in that election.
11. How can I be sure my voters registration is valid?
You can check the date on your voter registration card or click here.
12. What is early voting?
Early voting generally starts 17 days before each election and ends 4 days before each election. Everyone can vote early. You don’t have to be out of town on election day or have an excuse to vote early. Generally, voting early allows you to avoid the long line you encounter on election day.
13. Where do I vote?
You can vote early, on election day, in the primary or in the general election at any polling place you choose. To find the closest polling location check the newspaper, go to the Bexar County Elections Website or contact the Bexar County Elections office at 210-335-VOTE.
14. How do I obtain a sample ballot?
To obtain a sample ballot check the newspaper or go to the Bexar County Elections Website.
15. Why should I vote for you?
Being a good judge is about integrity, commitment, dedication, experience and qualifications.
I am a long time resident of Bexar County. I am married to Steve J. Vacek, Jr. I have three step-children, Brett, Cami and Chad.
I am an AV rated lawyer (highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards) and am Board Certified in Juvenile Law. I am licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas and in the Western District of Texas. I am Co-Chair of the Community Justice Project. I am a member of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Federal Bar Association, the Mexican American Bar Association, the San Antonio Bar Association and Friends of Communities in Schools. I am an Honorary Commander of the 433rd Airlift Wing, Lackland Air Force Base, a Fellow of both the San Antonio Bar Foundation and the Texas Bar Foundation and a member of the Juvenile Justice Board for the State of Texas.
I have been Judge of the 436th District Court since 2009. I have been a licensed Texas attorney for over twenty-two years. I am a former juvenile law referee, former juvenile law prosecutor, former juvenile law defense lawyer, and former assistant district attorney. I have tried over 100 jury trials as a trial attorney, including 2 capital murder cases, and numerous jury trials as Judge of the 436th District Court.
I am honored to serve as your Judge of the 436th District Court and will continue to be committed to our community and dedicated to justice.
16. What is your mission statement?
After handling criminal matters for over twenty-three years, I have come to realize one of the most important jobs anyone can have in the criminal justice system is that of a juvenile law judge. It may truly be our last opportunity before adulthood to change the downward spiral in which we find many of our juveniles. As a juvenile law judge, I utilize my experience as a prosecutor and as a defense lawyer to ensure that I do all that is possible to rehabilitate those who can be rehabilitated. However, I will protect our community by removing those juveniles from the streets who are beyond our help.