ABOUT
Judge
Erica Hughes
Erica grew up with a father who served in the U.S. Army and later worked for the postal service, while her mother raised her. From an early age, she witnessed the injustices faced by individuals with low incomes, no political connections, or limited knowledge of the legal system. Erica pursued her education at Prairie View A&M University, where she further developed her understanding of civil inequalities. Her time in Prairie View, Texas instilled in her a deep desire to advocate for the disenfranchised. After completing her undergraduate degree, Erica received a full scholarship to attend Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. In 2006, she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer and has since practiced law for over 11 years in Houston, TX
Early Career
Judge Erica Hughes, a former Houston Lawyer and Judge Advocate for the National Guard recognized the imperative of a fair and impartial judicial system. Observing instances where justice was not served for all, she decided to enter the judicial race. Some judges demonstrated closed-mindedness and bias towards defendants and attorneys, creating unequal treatment between low-income individuals with limited knowledge of their rights. Unfortunately, fairness in the judicial system often hinges on financial status, connections, race, and other extraneous factors that should hold no sway in matters of law.
Judicial Philosophy
Judge Hughes firmly believes that impartiality and an unjust justice system should not be accepted in Harris County, Texas, or the United States as a whole. With her deep understanding of the importance of a functioning criminal justice system, she is determined to address the issues stemming from unfair Judges sitting on the bench. Judge Hughes is dedicated to restoring integrity, fairness, justice, and honor for all individuals involved in legal proceedings.
Judge Hughes Wins Seat in 2018
In 2018, Judge Hughes was elected to the Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 3, where she joined 17 other accomplished women of color. Together, they made history in Houston by forming the largest group of African-American female Judges ever assembled in Texas. This incredible milestone is just the start of their remarkable journey. Additionally, Judge Hughes served as the presiding judge of the Harris County Veterans Treatment Court in Houston, Texas.
Federal Appointment
Judge Hughes was chosen by Attorney General Merrick Garland to serve as an Immigration Judge, where she will preside over cases beginning in January 2022. In addition to this new role, Hughes has been an esteemed member of the U.S. Army National Guard of Texas in Austin since 2016, serving as a Judge Advocate.
Experience And Service That Counts
November 2020
Presiding Judge, Harris County Misdemeanor Veterans Court
November 2018
Presiding Judge, Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 3
2008
Judge Advocate- Captain United States Army National Guard
2010
Adjunct Faculty- San Jacinto College
2006
Attorney- Licensed in Texas 2006 Solo Practice
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Memberships and Affiliations:
Higher Dimension Church
Houston Bar Association
San Jacinto College Association, Board Member
Association of Women Attorneys, Board Member
Prairie View A&M Center for Race & Justice, Board Member
Harris County Democratic Party, Sustaining Member
Houston Black American Democrats, General Member
Houston Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Houston Bar Association Military & Veterans Committee, 2021-2022
Coalition For The Homeless, Board Member, 2024