In an interview with Community Impact, Dunn discussed his role as justice of the peace, what a typical day looks like and what challenges he sees around the New Caney and Porter area.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What inspired you to pursue a career in public service and eventually run for justice of the peace?
As a third-generation member of East Montgomery County, I have a vested interest in the success of my hometown.
Can you share your educational background and career path that led you to the role of justice of the peace?
I graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. After retiring from the Houston Police Department, I wanted something more. The role of justice of the peace lets me continue to serve my community while utilizing my law enforcement background in a judicial role.
What does a typical day look like for you in Precinct 4, and what responsibilities do people often not realize a justice of the peace has?
Due to the wide range of matters that fall under the jurisdiction of justice courts, there are no two days the same. Texas justice courts currently have jurisdiction over:
- Fine-only misdemeanors for adults as well as juveniles
- Civil cases up to $20,000 in controversy
- Evictions and tenant/landlord disputes
- Truancy
- Animal seizures and dangerous dog determinations
- Peace bonds
- Administrative hearings, such as [license to carry] denial/revocation appeals
- Property seizure hearings
The most pressing issues in the New Caney, Porter and Splendora area is keeping up with growth. When I took office in 2019, there were a little over 14,000 new cases filed that year. In 2024, that number increased to over 16,000 and this year we have almost hit that number with two and a half months remaining. Those numbers don’t include case-specific filings necessary for each case. To address the issue, I have increased the overall number of dockets as well as the amount of cases per docket. It is imperative to me that cases are addressed in a timely manner, ensuring due process.
How do you collaborate with law enforcement and other local officials to keep Precinct 4 safe?
Collaboration is critical. I am thankful to have local elected officials that care about [East Montgomery County] as much as I do. The commissioner works to provide the resources needed and the constable ensures court-related paperwork and orders are processed in a timely manner as well as providing courtroom security. That is just one example of collaboration as there are many areas that we work together on for the betterment of Precinct 4.
What do you want residents to know about how your office can serve them, beyond the courtroom?
I, as well as my clerks, are bound by Judicial Canons; unfortunately, there are no other services beyond court-related issues that my office can provide.
What has been the most rewarding part of serving as Justice of the Peace so far, and what motivates you to keep serving the community?
There are many areas that I am passionate about as far as my position goes, but my top two would be ensuring that everyone is treated fairly during their “day in court” and the ability to hopefully make a difference with juvenile offenders and the truancy rate.
