Teresa Hawthorne has dedicated more than 36 years to serving Dallas County as a defense attorney, trial lawyer, and state district judge. She has handled thousands of criminal cases with fairness, careful preparation, and respect for everyone in the courtroom.

As a former state district judge, Teresa understands what a courtroom needs to function properly: a judge who shows up, is prepared, and moves the docket. She has presided over serious felony matters, including homicide and capital murder.

Dallas County Criminal Court #6 is not moving cases. The current judge is frequently absent, causing delays, wasting taxpayer money, and leaving victims and defendants waiting for justice.

Teresa believes justice delayed is justice denied. She is committed to keeping dockets moving, reducing unnecessary resets, and respecting the time of victims, defendants, attorneys, and law enforcement.

Before practicing law, Teresa taught high-school English, coached girls’ athletics in Garland, and served as an academic counselor for all sports at SMU—building deep roots in the community she now seeks to serve from the bench.

Teresa’s philosophy is straightforward: “Show up. Listen. Apply the law. Move the docket. Serve the people.” She believes judges are paid by the taxpayers and have a duty to be present and working every day.